On the week before Christmas I took time out to watch two very different, but equally inspiring programmes.  The first was The Sun Military Awards. This programme highlighted just some of the outstanding bravery our men and women of the Armed Forces do on behalf of all of us every day.

Celebrities lined up to praise what were simply unbelievable stories of acts of heroism and all were reported in full in The Sun.  As each person singled out was invited to the stage their humility and modesty was clear for all to see.  Watching I was filled with both pride and admiration that, in arduous conditions, so many people sacrificed so much for their country. 

The second programme I sat down to watch was the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.  I have always been a keen sports enthusiast, especially for football and cycling so I was keen how Mark Cavendish as Britain’s first winner of the Tour de France green jersey (2011) would fare against some very tough competition.  As each of the stories was presented and we heard from each sports man their individual power of endurance to be the very best at their discipline.

What was so overpowering about the two programmes was the individual’s recognition of the team supporting and behind them.  They may have been voted the overall winner or have been singled out for extraordinary acts of bravery but each and everyone paid tribute to the team.  Perhaps that is why they individually are successful as they are skilled, dedicated, highly professional individuals who are outstanding in their role but also value and recognise the importance of the team.  Wherever we work and whatever we do we would do well to look at these examples and reflect how we are working with our teams, and that includes the family team.

Happy New Year!