My grandma always quoted these old sayings, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” and “You can win people to your side more easily by gentle persuasion and flattery than by hostile confrontation”.

I’ve also heard quotes and proverbs about teamwork, such as the following.

There is no I in teamwork. Teamwork simply stated, is less me and more we. And, TEAM stands for “Together Everyone Achieves More”.

There’s lots to learn from these old sayings, quotes, and proverbs, if you can figure out how to put them to good use. Recently I had several such occasions.

Unfortunate financial limitations have forced several senior adult meal sites to limit the number of meals they provide and even closed a few other meal sites. No one was happy with these developments. Some individuals made frantic telephone calls expressing concern or and complaints about what had happened to their beloved meal sites.

People don’t always like what is said, but hopefully they understand why difficult decisions must be made when there are financial difficulties. It’s never easy to take away something that has become such a staple of someone’s life.

One recent meal site closing resulted in a community meeting. The circumstances of the closing were explained with great sensitivity. The gathering then discussed possible alternatives and solutions.

Fortunately, several community leaders came up with a solution which helped keep their community meal site open. It was a true example of honesty, teamwork, and commitment. For that, we can all thank them.

Automobile mogul Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

Author B. Dodge is quoted as saying, “No problem is insurmountable. With a little courage, teamwork and determination, a person can overcome anything.”

It’s another lesson learned.

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