Teamwork is Key to Success

Teamwork is Key to Success.

I wonder if we took time to think about the team concept if that would change or influence our behavior?

For example, being part of a soccer team comes with expectations. We have to practice, get in shape, eat properly and focus on teamwork. We have to do drills, improve ball skills and learn to work together as a team. The expectation is that we play the position and contribute to the team’s success.

What if we saw our family as a team? 

Would we dedicate ourselves to the disciplines required to make that team successful? Would working together take on a new meaning? Would helping out be part of the practice that makes the team better? Would playing our “positions” put a game plan in place that would not otherwise be there?

Would we be a bit more dedicated to winning? Would we sub in for someone when they are tired?

Team building ideas are a great way to brainstorm about improvement. Focus on yourself and also focus on improving your contribution to the team.

1. Communicate – have huddles and discuss plays. Practice and come up with new ways to drill in better habits. Get coaching if needed and have a team captain who can keep you and others focused. Encourage each other. Whether you are on the soccer field or family dinner table, teammates like to be encouraged. Have open and honest communication on what each person needs to work on to improve. Speak the truth in love and be careful how you tell someone something to help them improve.

2. Practice – find your role or position and practice playing it. Team practice and individual work will help you improve what you are doing. Again sports, family, or business it applies. Practice Practice Practice, and you will improve.

3. Get in the Game – When it is game time, you need to play like it matters because it does. Play to win and give everything you have. Have fun and be a good sport when you lose! There are other games and other times to bring home the win. Learn from the loss and grow as a person and as a team.

4. Build relationships – Play the game but also take time and get to know teammates. Building relationships is evident for a family but also applies at work, sports and church. Build trust and be a team player. Take an interest in others and be a friend. Teams who get to know each other enjoy the process of being a team.

5. Lead and follow! If you are the team captain, lead the team and follow the coach. The best leaders are also the best followers. If you are the coach, make sure the team knows you are plugging into a mentor who is giving you advice and direction. A great leader lets people see them follow, learn and grow! That type of leadership builds confidence and facilitates growth.

6. Don’t join too many teams – Join teams you need to be on. Quit teams that are taking you away from the critical groups. It would help if you had time to be on a team. If your family, work, and volunteering are all you can handle, don’t join an additional team! Pick the right teams and give 100%. Being on a team where they only get 50% is not fair to the group or you. Your family is your #1 team, so don’t ever quit playing on that team!