Column: Teamwork is valuable

American poet Mattie Stepanek was an extraordinary young man. Though he suffered a rare disorder and died at the tender age of 13, he published seven best-selling books of poetry and a number of peace essays. In fact, he won the Independent Publisher's 'Peacemaker of the Year' Award in 2007.Stepanek once wrote, "Unity is strength… when there is work and collaboration, wonderful things happen." Though just a teen, Mattie understood the value of teamwork, and there is little doubt he would have found a youthful delight and full respect for the message presented in the following story:The king of the most successful civilization in the history of the world called the wisest men in his kingdom together, instructing them to write down why they felt their kingdom was so prosperous. To insure continued success, he wanted to leave a written plan for future generations to follow.The task took the wise men two years to complete and consisted of nine, full volumes. Though the king was impressed with their diligence, he said it was too long and challenged them to simplify their work.They labored for another year, reducing it to one volume. Again, the king looked it over and told them he was proud of their dedication but insisted it was still too long.After another year's work, they returned with one page. Assuring them it was much better, he encouraged his persistent scholars to simplify even more. He wanted to be absolutely certain everyone in the kingdom would comprehend and retain the blueprint of their success.Six months later, they returned with one short sentence, and the king was ecstatic, for he knew future generations would completely understand and remember the secret to their success. It read, "There ain't no free lunch."_____Tony Legando is a lifelong educator, an OHSFCA Hall-of-Fame football coach and motivational speaker who has inspired leaders for many years. You can contact him at legandot@gmail.com.Tony Legando