Today is World Coconut Day! I am a huge coconut fan. I like coconut cookies. I like coconut cakes. I like coconut drinks. I like coconut curries.
For fear of sounding like Bubba detailing his fondness for shrimp to Forrest Gump, I’ll stop there. You get the point.
The coconut derives its name from the Portuguese word “coco,” meaning “grinning or grimacing face.” Sixteenth century Portuguese explorers, upon encountering coconuts during their voyages, started using the term because they thought the three indentations on the shell resembled a human face.
Although coconuts are often referred to as nuts in culinary settings, they aren’t technically nuts. They are drupes, a type of three-layered fruit. They’re more closely related to peaches and plums than to walnuts or hazelnuts.
From an analogy standpoint, coconuts share a pair of notable attributes with good teammates:
1. Versatility. Coconuts are among nature’s most versatile products. They can be utilized in a variety of ways, including in cooking, beauty products, and decorations.
Coconut meat and coconut milk can be added to food. Coconut flour can serve as a gluten-free alternative. Coconut water can be consumed as a refreshing, low-calorie, high-electrolyte sports drink. Coconut shells can be made into bowls. Coconut oil can be used for cooking or skincare and haircare.
Good teammates are also versatile. Their social versatility allows them to mix seamlessly with people from different walks of life. They can adjust their behaviors to align with their teams’ needs.
Moreover, good teammates exhibit versatility by transitioning between various roles and responsibilities, free of complaint or resentment.
2. Buoyancy. Coconuts possess the remarkable ability to float in water for months without rotting, thanks to their fibrous outer husks and mostly hollow interiors—which provide buoyancy even though the coconuts themselves are often quite heavy.
This attribute makes coconuts highly resilient, allowing them to survive long journeys across rough seas after falling from their trees and being swept away by tides. As a result, they can sprout on new shorelines.
Good teammates are also buoyant. They possess the remarkable ability to remain afloat during tough times. Their positive mindsets shield them from discouragement amid hardships, setbacks, and unforeseen circumstances.
When challenged, good teammates maintain hope and stay mindful of the temporary nature of their situations. This attitude allows them to sprout on the other side of adversity.
Coconuts shells are generally considered to be hard to crack. In terms of resiliency, this premise holds equally true for good teammates. But in the context of the expression “tough nut to crack,” nothing could be further from the truth.
The expression “tough nut to crack” refers to a person who is difficult to deal with or understand. Good teammates are neither.
Their versatility and buoyancy make them easy to deal with. Their commitment to consistently choosing what is best for their teams over what is best for them as an individual makes them easy to understand.
As always…Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate.
