I Ching

Holding together brings success.  But high-level teamwork is achieved only when a clear goal is shared by the right players on the right team at the right time.  A team forms its relationships in a delicate manner; chemistry is brewed in the vat of shared experiences.  Late-comers cannot share the same depth of union as earlier members.  Whole-hearted commitment is required for team success.All successful teams have a shared vision and a leader.  If a team’s leadership is up to the challenge, the team will prosper.  In political and business affairs, just as in basketball, it is hard to win without a strong center.

Accept the structure of the team if you wish to receive its benefits – otherwise go off on your own.  In holding together with others, cling to your own principles, but be willing to subordinate your personal desires for the good of the group.  Perhaps you are contemplating becoming a leader of a group; remember that to become the center of influence binding people together is a considerable challenge and a serious responsibility.  Assess yourself carefully first to see if you qualify for this role.  If not, it would be better that the group not be formed than for you to lead it without proper preparation.

1. Sincerity is the foundation of all successful relationships.  In a thirsty world, it is not the form of the water jar that matters – it’s the contents.
2. When circumstances demand that you be a role-player for the good of the team, there are only two good reasons for attempting to live up to others’ expectations.  One way is to respond out of your own innate sense that your work contributes to a greater good; the other is to use your labors as a way to ingratiate yourself with those in a more powerful position, so that you can play a greater role in the future.  No blame in this.
3. People often find themselves living inside a various circles of friends and professional relations.  It is critical that you strike the right balance with each.  Be open to your intimates, sociable with your lesser friends, cautious with all others.  Developing strong relationships with weak or dishonest characters will greatly diminish your position.
4. Now is a time for loyalty.  Show your support of those in leadership positions; they deserve your support, so long as you can provide it without compromising your integrity.
5. A very beneficial union is in the offing.  There will be good fortune, as long as you are careful not to force things.  Let the people come and go, and when the right one arrives, you will know.  It may be time to align yourself with a person at the center of things.
6. Difficulties arise when matters are not begun properly.  Even with a good beginning, problems are inevitable; without a sound beginning, the problems that come with the passage of time will be insurmountable.  Once its head has been severed, no amount of “correction” will cause a frog to jump.