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!