Feature -The Power of Form, Teams, and Leadership

By Timothy A. Edward

We often hear the phrase “being in form” when talking about sports, especially cricket. But what does it really mean - and can it apply to our everyday lives? This simple idea of form, teamwork, and leadership can teach us powerful lessons about how we work, live, and grow together.

The Importance of Being in Form

This week, I had a chat with a young friend about cricket. Our conversation shifted to the idea of being “in form.” Even the most talented batsmen and bowlers sometimes struggle when they are not in form. It does not mean they lack skill or talent - it just means that form makes a big difference in performance.

This idea made me wonder: does being in form apply to other areas of life? What about musicians and singers? And what about our own professional lives?

Why Teams Matter

This is where the concept of teams becomes important. In any team, individuals will have good days and bad days. That is why we play as teams. When one member isn’t performing well - maybe they are not seeing the ball clearly or their coordination is off - others step in to support and help the team succeed.

The Influence of Togetherness

Now, think about families - husbands and wives. Recently, I overheard two friends talking. One said to the other, “You look very much like your wife.” I jokingly added, “That’s because he married his cousin,” and we all laughed. But my friend then said something interesting: “The more people live together, the more they start to look like each other.”

That begs the question: who are we spending most of our time with? In the office, we spend many hours with our teams. It is no surprise that we begin to influence each other. This creates a team culture. We start to reflect one another, even in how we talk and walk. It is something worth thinking about.

Situational Leadership: Leading When It Matters Most

This leads us to a beautiful idea - Situational Leadership. It means that depending on the situation, different people in a team can take on the leadership role. Each of us has unique talents and strengths that make us natural leaders in certain situations.

Teams face many challenges. In those moments, we must either step up and lead or step back and let someone else take the lead. Leadership is not about always being in charge – it is about knowing when to guide and when to support.

Stewardship: Using Leadership to Lift Others

At the heart of leadership is stewardship. How are we using the leadership gift within us? Are we using it only for ourselves, or are we helping others grow into leadership, too?

In business, leaders are stewards - not owners - of influence, resources, and people. True accountability is not just about meeting goals; it is about character. Are we ready to lead when others are struggling? Are we helping multiply the talents given to us?

Leadership is not about waiting for a chance to take control when things fall apart. Being passive or indifferent is not leadership – that only amounts to wasting the gifts we have been given.

Leadership Leaves a Fragrance

As leaders, we must ask ourselves: are we multiplying or just maintaining? We should build systems that reward initiative and readiness. Every decision we make carries lasting impact and has eternal consequences.

Leadership is like a perfume - people can sense it from afar. Is the fragrance we carry bringing joy and strength to others, or is it causing discomfort and sorrow?

Let us lead with purpose, awareness, and care. Let us be the kind of leaders who lift others, build strong teams, and leave behind a legacy of influence that continues long after we are gone.