I was sitting with a friend of mine and we were discussing how we have coached our kids in sports. He shared with me an idea that I thought was tremendous. . . . Ask the kids what it means to be a teammate and focus on that all season.
Effective leaders build strong and healthy teams. Since this is Super Bowl weekend I used our friend Google and stumbled upon thoughts from Hall of Fame NFL athletes on teamwork. The link to the video is below, but here is a summary of some of their thoughts.
Unselfishness
This one can be manifested in unique ways. As the leader, we may think our way is the best. Unfortunately, we then keep doing things we shouldn’t be out of a desire to control or get all the glory. When we wrap our identity in what we do or think our way is best, self-centered pride sneaks in. Just as the prima-donna athlete eventually hurts the team so will our selfish desire to have things done our way.
Sacrifice
As a leader, you understand sacrifice because you have sacrificed to get where you are, but this is a different kind of sacrifice. Athletes understand that when they take a play off or hold back in effort it hurts their team. They are willing to put in work and sacrifice their personal agenda for the good of the team. Healthy teammates will, within reason, sacrifice time, energy, and other resources to help the team succeed.
Understanding
One of the Hall of Fame athletes emphasized that a good teammate will understand his teammates’ strengths and weaknesses. When we understand others we are able to help the participants be in positions where they excel. Not only does this help the team’s performance, but it also is enjoyable for the individual. Understanding individual strengths enable everyone to excel.
Trust
Football players experience extreme highs and lows. There is great emotion and in order to openly share the emotion trust is essential. Healthy teams that move fast have trust at the foundation. Stephen M. R. Covey states it well when he says:
“The trust we have in people . . . comes, in part, from believing that they do care.”
With trust in your team, you will accomplish more, faster.
Family
A football team is a community. They suffer together, they train together, they fight together, and they support one another. They are like a family who realize they are all together in this. When a team not only says they are a family but acts like one and has one another’s support on or off the field great things happen. Some of the championship teams that have existed came together as a family and supported one another through adversity and celebrated victories.
Take a minute and look at your team. How healthy are they? Does your team live out these qualities? If not, where do you need to help them grow as a team? Want to dive deeper into this idea of teamwork? Contact me and let’s talk about how I can help you grow your team. Lead Well.
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https://www.nfl.com/videos/the-inspiration-project-hall-of-famers-emphasize-importance-of-teamwork