Applying Darwin's 'Survival of the Fittest' to Modern Team Dynamics

When we hear the name Charles Darwin, it's almost automatic for us to associate it with the phrase "survival of the fittest." Our minds might conjure images of hunters and gatherers, or an intense showdown where only the strongest and most aggressive contestants survive. In a modern setting, it could bring to mind a ruthless businessperson, ready to cross any line for success.

However, this is not the case. As I recently dug deeper into Darwin's work, I encountered a surprising revelation.

The conventional portrayal of Darwin's theory – one where we imagine each individual vying to evolve, adapt and outperform the rest – is not entirely accurate.

Darwin did believe that people with characteristics that best supported life were more likely to survive and reproduce. However, these traits weren't limited to aggression or dominance.

On the contrary, Darwin proposed that humans endowed with a quality he termed "sympathy" were often the most successful. He argued that individuals inclined to collaborate, share resources, and raise healthy offspring would naturally have their genetic lines prevail.

This suggests that survival, in Darwin's perspective, was more about social harmony and cooperative living than it was about individual strength or conquest.

In other words, the traits leading to survival are not just physical strength or aggression, but also those related to empathy, cooperation, and mutual care.

Modern evolutionary biologists agree. They too believe that human advancement has occurred primarily due to cooperation rather than competition. Our ability to work together has enabled us to achieve remarkable advancements, such as developing sophisticated technologies, building complex societies, and even exploring outer space.

This line of thought makes me wonder.

What if we took Darwin's real message to heart and applied it to our workplace? What if, instead of focusing on outperforming each other, we pooled our resources, shared our strengths, and celebrated our successes together?

Instead of a zero-sum game where one person’s gain is another’s loss, we could create an environment where everyone’s contributions are valued, and everyone benefits from shared success.

Now, some of you might be wondering what this looks like in practicality.

Here are a few suggestions on how we can apply Darwin's true meaning of "survival of the fittest" in our workplace:

1. Encourage Teamwork: In many workplaces, there's an unspoken pressure for each individual to outshine their peers. This competitive environment can be stressful and counterproductive. Instead, promoting teamwork can create a more harmonious and efficient environment. Building collaboration into everyday activities, such as meetings, can be a great starting place. It can be as simple as asking people to come prepared with ideas for team meetings, and starting with junior members first, so everyone has a chance to speak. Or providing opportunities for collaborative projects where employees from different departments or backgrounds work together. They'll bring diverse skills and perspectives to the table, leading to more innovative solutions and a more cohesive team.

2. Share Resources: Resources are often thought of as tangible items or things. However, resources also include knowledge and expertise. These need to be shared. Providing opportunities for knowledge sharing sessions, mentorship programs, or even simple round-table discussions where everyone gets a chance to share their expertise and learn from others, are ways people can share resources. It also simultaneously establishes a more inclusive, and enriching work environment.

3. Build Strong Relationships: Darwin's stress on rearing healthy offspring can be metaphorically extended to fostering healthy professional relationships. Open-door policies, regular check-ins, anonymous feedback channels are items anyone can prioritize. Frequent team outings or social events can also contribute to building relationships, as they allow employees to interact in a less formal, more relaxed setting. Regular interactions are the key, and these go a long way in nurturing a vibrant and dynamic workplace.

Reflecting on these insights, it's clear that Darwin's theory extends beyond the realm of biology. They offer valuable life lessons that can help us navigate our workplace interactions, build better communities, and create a more compassionate world.

So, the next time you hear the phrase "survival of the fittest," remember Darwin's true message. It's not a battle of strength or dominance. Rather, it's mixture of cooperation, collaboration, and shared success.

On that note, I’d like to present a challenge for you this week. I invite you to examine your own relationships and communities. Are they driven by driven by competition or cooperation? Consider what steps you can take to foster more collaboration and resource-sharing.

Remember, each small action can have a ripple effect, creating more supportive and empathetic environments where we all thrive together.

Best wishes, Lauren

P.S. Making a shift from competition to collaboration can be challenging, but it's certainly achievable. We offer free initial 30-minute consultations to explore how you can build a stronger workplace culture. Feel free to reach out.