I love seeing teamwork in action and the recent Kansas City Royals’ World Series win is a great example. Notable team spirit included:

   Optimism: believing they could do it and moving towards that belief
   Team Before Self:  team first attitude
   Humor: not taking themselves too seriously; having fun!
   Coachable:  motivation to improve, not personalizing correction
   Ownership:  not blaming others, taking personal responsibility

Think about times you have experienced or noticed this kind of teamwork. How does it feel to you? Does it energize you, give you hope, make you feel good and motivate you? Think about the verbal and non -verbal communication going on that creates this great teamwork. I think of smiles on faces, encouraging tones, words of gratitude and encouragement. In essence, there seems to be an underlying expression of “WE can do this!”

Now think of your primary relationship, your spouse if you are married. How often are you intentional about these qualities of exceptional teamwork in this relationship? Why is it we get lazy about this? Relationships are hard work and they last longer than a game. It takes sustained energy. The funny thing is, we have more energy for this marathon ourselves if we take the high road with building team as our goal. We can’t wait for the other one to do it. It starts with us. 

What’s in it for you to put effort into team building with your partner?
   Success? (emotionally, financially, physically?)
   Happy, secure kids?
   Supportive companionship through life stages?
   A lover you can trust?

Now think of your co-workers, if you work outside the home. How often are you intentional about teamwork in your interactions with them? Do you model taking ownership for your part or do you model blaming others? Do you lift up or tear down? Do you express gratitude for opportunity or see the glass half empty? 

Try tattooing the mantra of “catching good” on your brain wherever you are. You will notice good things more and you will feel better because of it. AND, for sure the people in your life will feel better too and your team will soar!

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Seanne Emerton

Seanne is a Central Nebraska woman with deep roots. She and her husband still live on the land that has been in her family for six generations. While she loves to travel (especially to visit their grown sons and families in Denver and Boston), she loves returning to the open spaces of the Midwest. Seanne has been a marriage and family therapist for over 25 years. She loves the work and loves continually learning new ways to help strengthen relationships. She is the founder and owner of Family Resources of Greater NE, P.C. with offices in Grand Island, Kearney, York and Broken Bow. Seanne loves working with all kinds of people including facilitating individuals, families and businesses in growing their potential by using positive psychology. She is certified in assessing and coaching Emotional Intelligence and delights in building resiliency and happiness with her clients. Her side passion is designing and officiating personalized wedding ceremonies for couples as a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant. She serves the Midwest area with her Celebrant work and loves the creative process of helping couples create a one-of-a-kind, memorable ceremony.

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