The language that accompanied the utterance of the above saying was usually alot more colorful, particularly given the stressful situations which usually prompted its delivery.  However, "sailor's language" is not necessary to get the point of team cooperation across.

It sometimes seems trite to say that success can only be counted when everyone succeeds.  It takes much courage to subordinate individual will and individual pride to the need for the team to progress.  In addition, the team member may also have to sacrifice a short term individual success for the much longer term goal of team success.

Yet, we all have to watch out for each other, not only in our work settings, but also in our personal lives. Verse 24* of the Tao points out this need to subordinate our own wills and schedules to that of our colleagues and families.

"To the self-serving, nothing shines forth
To the self-promoting, nothing is distinguished
To the self-appointing, nothing bears fruit
To the self-righteous, nothing endures"

*Tao Te Ching, The Definitive Edition, Lao Tzu with Translation and Commentary by Jonathan Star, Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin, New York, 2001, page 37.