Strength and Honor

The ancient Roman military, famed for its organization and tactical brilliance, revolutionized warfare through teamwork. These soldiers were unified by a code: “strength and honor.”

I can remember these two words shared repeatedly among Roman soldiers in the 2001 film, Gladiator. In several scenes, Roman soldiers would greet the general and recite “strength and honor” amongst one another before stepping into battle, often their last words.

Though you and your team may not be preparing for a battle against invading armies, you would likely benefit from incorporating these fundamental values into your leadership. Now that online education and remote employment opportunities are increasing, creating trust within a team is crucial. Students, team members, and employees rely on online meetings, virtual to-dos, and assurance that their team members put in equal time and effort.

Let’s focus on the strength side of this code—specifically related to a team. What is the core strength of a team? Some would say it’s the leader or the individual abilities of each team member. (We have likely all heard the mantra, “You’re only as strong as your weakest link.”) Others would point to established goals and vision as the key to team strength. These answers are not wrong, and each plays a vital role within teamwork.

However, I want to propose something different: “The strength of a team is determined by a unique component—trust.”

Well-known author Simon Sinek once said, “A team is not a group of people who work together, but rather, a group of people who trust each other.” Regardless of each individual’s strength or the strength of the leaders, a team may be weak if the team members do not trust each other. This idea was essential for Roman soldiers as they had to trust that the soldier next to them would guard them with their shield. It was total reliance on one another.

As Christ-followers, our source of strength is no secret. Observing numerous biblical passages, you will find that trust is at the center of relying on God for strength within the context of each verse. The Psalmist declared, “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust (Psalm 18:2, KJV). I must first put my trust in Him and believe that He is able and willing to give me strength.

So, if you want a strong team, I encourage you to build trust amongst your team. Pay careful attention to what you delegate and your initial thoughts about others when thinking about a new project. You may find that you're making decisions based on a lack of trust. Working with a team that trusts each other to accomplish the mission means greater work output and an even better learning environment for everyone. Perhaps it is not that we are only as strong as our weakest link, but that we are as strong as our level of trust.