“We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time, important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other.”
—The Late Pope Francis
No matter your religious affiliation, or if you have none, there was a goodness in Pope Francis that spoke to us all. His kindness and empathy for every human demonstrated pure love. He also respected the environment and cared about its future. He was truly worthy of emulation.
Although the above quote occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, it is just as applicable today, or any day. We need each other!
What Does It Mean to Row Together?
If you have not read the book The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (or seen the movie), I highly recommend it! It tells the true story of the University of Washington eight-oared rowing crew that represented the United States at the 1936 Summer Olympics. The life lessons that we can take from those who devote themselves to rowing as a team can apply to us all.
Rowing is a highly coordinated team sport where all members must work together seamlessly to achieve success. Each rower, depending on their strengths, is assigned a place in the boat.
The coxswain sits facing the rowers and is responsible for steering, calling out the stroke tempo or rate, and directing and encouraging the crew. Communication, synchronization, and mutual support are essential.
Effective communication is crucial in rowing, as team members need to respond quickly to commands from the coxswain. This teaches team members to listen attentively, communicate clearly, and make split-second decisions.
In the finals of the 1936 Olympics, the coxswain was distracted so the crew got a late start. His ability to adjust and communicate necessary changes in tempo were critical to potential success.
In rowing, team members must trust each other to do their part and rely on each other’s strength and stamina. Each team member is accountable for their performance. If one person fails to pull their weight, the whole team suffers. If one person is ill, as at the Olympics, it affects the entire crew.
Rowing on water can be unpredictable due to changing conditions such as wind and current. Rowers must be resilient and adapt quickly to these changes. The water may be smooth as glass in qualification, but the wind picks up and the crew faces growing swells in the finals. Rowers must be ready for any racing conditions.
Rowing teams set clear goals and work tirelessly to achieve them. Relentless strength training and crew practices require devotion to the common cause even when the sore muscles or blisters scream for a rower to stop. Rowing requires focus, determination, and the desire to push through physical discomfort.
After a practice or race, teams often debrief to discuss what went well and what needs to change. This feedback culture promotes a commitment to continuous improvement. Each member of the crew must be open to adjusting and be devoted to the end goal.
How Will You Row Together?
I was curious about rowing, so I took a class on a local lake. I thought I was in good shape, but I quickly found I was in physical pain. The strength and stamina required to row was greater than I expected. That did not deter me, however. I was determined to finish the class.
Over the course of a few weeks, the physical pain diminished, and I was able to enjoy the experience of working with a team, listening and following instructions, and adjusting as needed. Feedback was essential to my growth and the development of my skill.
The attributes of a successful team listed above can apply to any group—family, work, team sport, project, or even as the late Pope Francis said, to the world.
