“Intertwined fingers symbolize how diverse talents, when united, can work together to enhance collective growth” (Gittens, 2026).
Yvette Gittens is calling on leaders to step up and be accountable to the people they lead. This involves: –
- Responsibility for decisions: Leaders must make choices that benefit the team, organization, or community they lead.
- Answerability: Leaders must be able to explain, justify, or correct their actions to those affected by them.
- Prioritizing the team’s well-being: Decisions should support growth, inclusion, and fairness.
- Transparency: Open communication builds trust; leaders don’t hide mistakes or successes.
- Empowering others: Leaders create space for team members to contribute, feel valued, and thrive.
Today, 14th January 2026, I awoke from a deeply restful sleep. The warm glow of the afternoon sun pierced through the window, where the curtains were drawn back, filling the room with soft, comforting light. As I sat up on my bed, I studied my hands, then slowly placed the fingers of one hand between the fingers of the other. It was then I noticed how perfectly each one fit into its own space. When I tried to place two fingers into the same spot, they felt uncomfortable, clearly showing that one was out of place. Continuing to observe my hands, I saw their shape reminding me of a peacock’s tail, beautifully fanned out. Each finger had its own space, yet together they created a display of strength, balance, and harmony – a simple, vivid reminder that unity does not erase individuality, but brings out the beauty and power of working together.
It also brought to mind the concept of place value in mathematics, where each number has a specific position and purpose. Each space holds only one digit, yet together they represent countless possibilities. This system works because every element is valued and positioned correctly.
Example:
- The number 352:
- “3” is in the hundreds place
- “5” is in the tens place
- “2” is in the ones place
- Each digit has its own spot, but together they form the number 352.
What stood out most in that moment was the word “unity”.
We must ask ourselves whether we truly practice unity in our families, communities, churches, workplaces, organizations, and relationships. Unity is essential for growth and productivity. Unfortunately, in many organizations, unity is compromised. Some leaders focus on maintaining approval rather than leading effectively, which causes stagnation. In other cases, capable and qualified individuals are stifled, silenced, or denied opportunities to share their knowledge and skills. This lack of inclusion breeds frustration, stress, and diminished productivity, causing employees to lose motivation and withhold their best efforts.
Unity does not thrive in environments marked by jealousy, unhealthy competition, or favoritism. When leaders treat some with disdain and others with preference, organizations suffer. True unity creates space for everyone to contribute meaningfully.
The Bible, God’s Holy Word and our manual for righteous living emphasizes the importance of unity. Scriptures such as John 17:21, 1 Corinthians 1:10, and Ephesians 4:3 highlight unity as essential to God’s work and as a testimony to the world. These verses remind us that unity is not optional; it is vital.
As I reflected on my intertwined fingers, I envisioned people fitting into spaces where they are not restricted or suppressed, but encouraged to grow and thrive. Unity is not about sameness; it is about connection. Like fingers woven together to form a strong grip, individuals and communities gain strength when they come together while remaining distinct.
Each person represents a finger – different in size, role, and function. Some lead, some support, and others provide balance. Alone, these differences may cause division, but when united, they create resilience. Just as fingers must align to function effectively, unity requires cooperation, trust, and a shared purpose.
History consistently shows that progress is achieved through collective effort, not isolation. Communities that intertwine their strengths overcome challenges, rebuild after hardship, and move forward with confidence. Unity does not erase individuality; instead, it weaves differences into a stronger, more capable whole.
In a world fractured by conflict and misunderstanding, the image of intertwined fingers serves as a powerful reminder: strength is not found in standing alone, but in holding on to one another. When we choose unity, we transform individual efforts into a force for meaningful change.
I encourage leaders to reflect on the lesson of intertwined fingers. Ensure that those who work with you or under your leadership feel valued, heard, and able to add value through their professions, talents, and abilities without fear of being silenced. Leaders may not always be present, but the footprints they leave behind should inspire others to lead with integrity, unity, and purpose even in their absence.