Watching a programme from BBC’s ‘Planet Earth’ series I was fascinated by the teamwork demonstrated by Emperor Penguins during the long Antarctic winter.

When the females lay their eggs they transfer them to the male penguins for safeguarding, and make their way to the ocean to hunt for food.  During this period there is no sunrise for 30 days, and in temperatures of -60 Celsius and winds of 100 miles per hour the males huddle together for warmth in one massive group.  The harsh weather conditions would kill any single team member left out on his own, but the group conducts a constant shuffle, each team member taking his turn to brave the elements on the outside of the group, before moving back towards the inside to get warm again.

This is teamwork at its best – during the most difficult time of year the team has one purpose: keeping every member of the team warm and incubating the eggs.  There is a plan and a system, and every team member has his role to play in achieving the team’s purpose.  Even though the work is incredibly tough, everyone takes his turn, knowing that the rest of the team relies on him.  The work is dangerous and may sometimes seem unending, but every team member remains focused on the end goal.

And the reward?  The females return at the end of the long, dark winter with food, the eggs hatch and a new generation is born – the team has achieved its goal and lives on to reap the rewards.