There are many forms and manifestations of life. Human beings are only one of them. Our capacity to think abstractly and transform our reality stands out. However, there are many species that surpass us in other aspects. For example, we can learn many lessons from bees.
For starters, colonies are extraordinary social structures. They’re harmonious and efficient communities where teamwork reigns. Perhaps it’s safe to say that no human society has ever reached that level of unity. Therefore, this is one of the many lessons we can learn from bees.
These small insects play a vital role in the balance of life on Earth. For instance, many other living beings depend on their daily activities as well as the proper functioning of hives. Essentially everything they do contributes to the environment.
Work Integration
Bees are very single-minded about their survival, which is possible only through hard-working. They also ensure they work in a team and look at the bigger picture than individual interest. Their focus is impeccable, and it is never easy to distract bees when they are hard at work or brainstorming for their next honey spot.
For your team to perform as efficiently as bees do, you have to culture single-mindedness, team-working & collaboration. You have to inspire to think of cost savings before individual comfort of avoiding technology. During tough times, think like a bee, gather your herd, and brainstorm together.
Teamwork
In the world of bees, you can never speak in singular form. Although each of them makes an individual contribution, their goal is the common good. Colonies are perfectly organized social structures in which each individual does a different task. Nevertheless, all tasks are synchronized with each other.
In our human world, we all truly depend on each other. However, we’ve created the illusion of individualism. Although all of the clothes we wear and the food we eat comes from others, sometimes we believe that we’re self-sufficient.
Communication
Bees dance in small circular movements to alert fellow members about the food available within 50 meters of the hive. They dance the sickle move to indicate fellow members to supplies within 50-150 meters. And the waggle dance to indicate the presence of food beyond 150 meters. Isn’t such a bright communication scheme?
What you can infer is the importance of a robust communication structure within your team function. Like the bees, you don’t need to do the circular or the sickle or the waggle move to indicate your members toward best sourcing venue.
Assume a role and carry it out fully
Each bee has a specific role in the hive. There’s no confusion over everyone’s tasks since each one knows what it has to do and carries it out. That little insect society is surprisingly complex. In general, there’s a queen, the drones, and the workers. However, the latter further divide into specific roles.
Humans should learn from bees that everyone should play a role in the collective plane. In our organizations and societies, this is really complicated since we can change jobs whenever we want to. Nevertheless, while performing a specific task, it’s best to concentrate exclusively on it, as bees do.
Strategic Leadership
At the end of it, there is the queen bee. This queen bee is not despotic contrary to popular notions of kings and queens. This queen bee is a modern-day leader who leads by example. She charts laws through demonstration. The queen bee lays eggs for the hive to flourish and entrusts duties to the most capable. She makes it all-inclusive.
As a procurement function leader, your task is to orchestrate your team to the vision of your organization. You also need to represent your team in the best light to your management. The idea is not just to save money but help your function scale to strategic leadership. You cannot invoke leadership through micromanagement. You need to demonstrate empathy and sharing best-practices.
Mutual care
When a bee collects nectar, it doesn’t do it for itself. Namely, it does so because it’s essential for the survival of the hive. For instance, the bees who collect nectar only live approximately 30 days. However, the time required to produce the honey is two months. In other words, they never get to see the fruit of their labor. Their level of generosity is astounding.
An impressive memory
Bees are small insects with amazing brains. Sometimes they have to travel long distances and still find their way back to their hive. Accordingly, they identify reference points that allow them to remember their journey back home. Scientists have also discovered that bees even have basic mathematical skills.
Servant leadership
Yes, there is a queen bee — but she isn’t a tyrannical leader laying down laws. Rather, she is a servant to her hive, laying eggs and producing more quality bees to help ensure the hive continues. The queen knows her role within the colony and performs her duties while trusting the hive to do their duties.
Everyday Ninja 