When it comes to effective teamwork, business leaders can learn a lot from Humpback whales. If you watch a group of these magnificent creatures carry out their unique technique of bubble net feeding, you’ll probably agree that they display nearly all of the eight characteristics of a high performing team identified by Frank LaFasto and Carl Larson, authors of the book Teamwork: (1) A clear compelling goal or vision; (2) Standards of excellence; (3) Competent members; (4) Unified commitment; (5) Climate of collaboration (i.e. trust, clear communication, listening); (6) Results driven structure; (7) Principled leadership and; (8) External support and recognition. (Click on video, below):

In my opinion the most important lessons we can learn from bubble net feeding are: (1) It is important to think as one team; (2) Teams are most effective if the group works on one single concept; and (3) Clear communication among participants is crucial to success.

What’s your opinion?