Kevin Wang's Blog

The greatest lesson I learned from my grandfather is the importance of teamwork. Having worked as the master accountant for the government owned Steel & Alloy Company in Chao Yang city, my grandfather had led multiple teams and various individuals to overcome problems and troublesome situations. Ever since I was young, he always told me the important fact that “nobody really wins unless everyone wins.” This is because individuals all have their own perceptions and desires. Nevertheless, a band of chopsticks is stronger than one. Groups often outperform even the mightiest individuals because collaborating with multiple minds gives birth to new ideas that otherwise would have not seen the light of day. Despite the fact that conflicts often emerge from group meetings and discussions, my grandfather have taught me that most of these conflicts are beneficial to the overall progress and group functions as ideas and theories are being tested and tried by multiple aspects and perceptions. 

Progressing on, my grandfather has taught me that teamwork would also allow one to foster positive relationships with other team members and individuals. This relationship is extremely crucial and valuable because it exists between the two individuals even after the team have disbanded and members go their separate ways. Most importantly, my grandfather argued that having a friend is similar to having an extra choice while an enemy on the other hand, would serve as a roadblock. Fostering positive relationships with members of a team may potentially open new career paths and ideas that would allow one to achieve more success and fame.

As a first year student at the Sauder School of Business, I have had opportunities to carry out the lesson that my grandfather have taught me. Now, I completely understand his words as I established friendship with my best friends all through discussions and networking in various teams.