Significance

Imagine a 10-piece iron chain. 9 of these chain pieces are made of iron, each with a breaking strength of 10kg.The last connected one being a piece of plastic chain which is able to hold up to 1kg. What is the breaking strength of the whole chain? 10kg, 1kg or 9.1kg (i.e. average – (90kg + 1kg)/10). The answer is 1kg. Why? This is because the chain will break at the point of its weakest link – the plastic chain.

Metaphor for life

If you are a leader leading a group, how would you focus on improving the overall effectiveness of your group? The group leader needs to identify the weakest area, be it a member or a process. How do we address this weakest link? Most will get rid of it. “Sack that fellow!” That is one way. It will also mean reduced resources for the group. Another way is to provide training for that person. Strengthening the capability of the person will invariably strengthen the overall group. Perhaps it may be a case of job fit. This person may have a meticulous personality and is good with numbers. Assigning him the role of Treasurer would be better than the role of, say, a Public Relations officer. In a corporate system, the weakest link refers to the area/part which produces the least productive work. The efficiency of a series of chain-and-pulley will be hampered by the section with the greatest friction or will be broken at the most fragile area. Maintenance of a machine needs to be spread out to take care of all parts. In a process, the weakest link is the bottle-neck. The effectiveness of the process will be hindered at the place where the procedure is a gridlock. Examine the most vulnerable step in a safety procedure because that is where an accident will happen.

My experience

When leading a group for an expedition, identify the weakest member. Stronger members need to help the weaker members by off-loading their pack.

Quote

“The strength of a chain is as strong as its weakest link.” Unknown

About the contributor

Allan Lee has been a Training and Development professional for the past 16 years. His vast industry experiences include human resource management, organisational development, finance operations, marketing and business development. As a skilled game specialist, he has written and published an ingenious game resource book called Propless Games®. He is currently an Associate Academic with The Republic Polytechnic of Singapore grooming diploma students in Outdoor and Adventure Learning. He specialises in developing and conducting professional games and leadership programmes for youth and adults, as well as, teambuilding programmes.

For more information on Allan Lee and his fun-filled professional development services, please visit his intriguing website at www.aflearning.org. To enjoy corporate development programmes that allow you to loosen your ties and let down your hair, please contact Allan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Kick the boredom bucket goodbye!