To the left of my usual blog-writing desk is an aquarium. It has been evolving as an ecosystem for a decade. The fish have changed but their environment has remained largely stable. Something protects it from changing so that its inhabitants can grow.

Often, the most powerful gift simply elevates the recipient. It's given from behind the scenes without the need for gratitude. The sole purpose is an investment in the well-being of the partner. The knowledge of your impact on their health, energy, quality-of-life, efficiency, productivity and outlook consummates the exchange. More than just a random act of kindness, generosity is an investment.

The week between Christmas and new Years has been brimming with stories about soldiers returning from tours of duty to be reunited with their families. Seldom does the news of the day so aptly capture the dichotomous essence of relationships: the delicate balance between attachment and loss.

Through their absence or presence, families coalesce during the holiday season. These annual gatherings are defined by who's coming and who's missing. Our clans provide the curriculum for Team 101.

In today's economy, there's no longer any tolerance for error. The airline industry figured this out a long time ago since the consequences of a glitch are grave. The health care industry isn't far behind. For some teams, absolute interdependence is non-negotiable.