In “A man called Otto” the main character played by Tom Hanks leaves a note after his passing in which he states he hopes to have a funeral for people who knew he ‘pulled his weight’ (see this clip at 1:35).

It alludes to something that is often forgotten in company vision and mission statements, in agreements, organisations and partnerships of any kind. It’s about making sure you’re a worthy team member, corporate citizen, member of society at large, church, family member, partner and spouse.

Too often people look at their rights, their entitlements and forget about their duties and obligations. Do your fair share, put in the hours, make sure you contribute, that you chip in.

In a job, make sure the load of the work is balanced over the team, in a sports team ensure everyone is giving his best, in a family all members take their share in chores that need to be done around the house, in a marriage both spouses invest time, effort, their good mood and money.

No imbalanced arrangement will last – that’s the nature of an imbalance…