Do You Desire To Go Fast — Or Go Far? 

Recently I had an opportunity to view an excellent film, “The Good Lie,” based on the true story of a small group of Sudanese refugees who had fled tyranny in their homeland and ultimately found a new home for themselves in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A. At the conclusion of the movie, an African proverb was displayed that summarized their amazing pilgrimage: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Sixteen simple words, but they overflow with wisdom and truth. When I read them, my first thought was of Olympic competitions. In sprinting events, runners compete individually with the sole objective of arriving at the finish line first. However, in relay races, as well as longer events like marathons, participants run in groups, whether as teams or to provide mutual support for the arduous competition. To succeed over the long haul, it seems best to go together than to go alone.

When I was a magazine editor, I usually wrote articles alone. However, when the time came to design the magazine and get it ready for publication, we had a talented team that merged our creative talents. When we were finished, the result was amazing: The whole was always greater than the sum of the parts.

In the business and professional world we often hear of visionary entrepreneurs who set ambitious goals. For a time they may do well, going fast while being independent. However, to fully realize their dreams, even innovative entrepreneurs need people that can bring their dreams to reality, whether it involves computer technology, developing new ways for manufacturing products, or designing a clothing line.

Years ago vocalist Frank Sinatra recorded a hit song with the refrain, “I Did It My Way.” However, even the late Mr. Sinatra needed many people – musicians, composers, backup singers, administrative staff, publicists and others to sustain his more than 60-year career.

We sometimes hear business executives talking about climbing the “ladder of success.” There are two curious things about this “ladder.” As you climb, as some have noted, you cross paths with others that have already gone as high as they can and are on the way back down. Also, if the ladder is very high, you need someone else to hold it steady so you do not fall off. You cannot climb the ladder alone.

The Bible offers many examples of people who had the wisdom to go far together – Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Jesus and His disciples, Barnabas and Paul, Paul and Timothy. We also find examples of men who tried to go fast alone and failed miserably in the latter stages of their lives – King David and his son, King Solomon, are among the most notable. Here are some pertinent principles from the Bible:

We can bring out the best in each other. In collaborating to achieve a common goal, we help one another to become more productive and effective – even creative conflict can prove to be valuable.“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another”(Proverbs 27:17).

We can accomplish more together. Just as a flock of geese travels long distances by sharing the work of leading, a team of people in business can accomplish much more over long periods of time by joining together in a united, concerted effort.“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work…. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).