Legacy

Chapter 6 focuses on the Māori concept of whānau and its application to team dynamics. The chapter begins with a metaphor of birds flying in formation to illustrate the efficiency and support system of group dynamics. Kerr then explains that whānau, which means “to be born” or “give birth” in Māori, refers to extended family and has come to symbolize a broader concept of community or team. He draws a parallel between the flight formation of birds and the Māori symbol of a spearhead, emphasizing that for a whānau to function effectively, all members must move in the same direction.

The author then transitions to discussing team dynamics in sports and business. He cites Kevin Roberts, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, who emphasizes the importance of collective flow in organizations. Kerr also references Phil Jackson, former coach of the Chicago Bulls, and his concept of the “group mind” in team success. Using Michael Jordan’s career as an example, Kerr illustrates how even exceptional individual talent requires integration into a team dynamic to achieve championship success. He quotes Jackson’s philosophy that there are no superstars on a good team, only great players who can work effectively with others.