If You Want to Go Fast, Go Alone; If You Want to Go Far, Work Together

There’s a timeless African proverb that reminds us:

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Though its exact tribal origin is debated—often attributed to the Akan or Igbo peoples of West Africa—the message has endured for centuries because it captures something deeply human: our greatest achievements come not from speed, but from solidarity.

The Power Behind the Proverb

The proverb highlights the balance between individual ambition and collective endurance. Going fast alone can get you immediate results, but it’s rarely sustainable. Working together, on the other hand, demands patience, communication, and trust—qualities that make lasting success possible.

In traditional African communities, survival depended on cooperation—whether in farming, hunting, or protecting the village. Every person had a role to play, and the community’s strength came from shared responsibility. The wisdom still applies, but today our “villages” are teams, organizations, and networks that thrive on collaboration.

What It Means in Modern Teams

In today’s professional world—especially in high-performance organizations—this proverb translates directly into the power of teamwork over individual heroics.

In the short term, a single employee can push through and deliver quick results. But without a cohesive team, burnout follows and innovation stalls. The most successful companies recognize that long-term excellence depends on shared goals, open communication, and mutual support.

Teams that “go far together” build:

• Trust — Members believe in each other’s competence and intent.
• Resilience — Setbacks are absorbed collectively, not carried alone.
• Creativity — Diversity of thought leads to better problem-solving.
• Sustainability — Growth is continuous, not a sprint to exhaustion.

At Hitachi Energy, and in organizations like it, we see this proverb come to life every day. Cross-functional collaboration, mentoring programs, and open leadership access all show how far people can go when they move together with shared purpose.

The Modern Lesson

The message is clear: if you want to make a quick impression, you can do it alone. But if you want to make a lasting impact, build a team that believes in the journey.

True leadership isn’t about speed—it’s about bringing others with you. Because when everyone moves forward together, success becomes not just possible, but sustainable.

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