Are You on a Team?

Have you ever been on a team?

From an early age through high school, I played soccer. Over the years, it was not always easy to understand the importance of working with other teammates. There were moments when I felt challenged, moments when I stepped back, and times when I stepped up. One game in particular stands out in my memory. I was fourteen, and it was a cloudy Saturday afternoon. The stakes were high, and I was giving it everything I had. But the coach's daughter was making things difficult for me, constantly undermining my confidence. Even though I knew I was a better player, I had to push those feelings aside and remember that my actions affected not just me, but the entire team. I ended up suppressing my emotions, and long story short we won the game. Inside, I felt a mix of anger and a sense of glory, knowing I was able to rise above the situation and be the teammate my team needed. While this example may seem small, it highlights the true value of being on a team: learning to navigate challenges and work together, even when you do not always agree.

Everyone should experience being on a team at some point in their life, whether it is through sports or a leadership group. Participating in these groups provides a valuable opportunity to learn and grow through collaborative problem-solving. I often compare the benefits of teamwork to the push vs. pull method used in marketing. In this strategy, the push approach involves actively promoting a brand to an audience, while the pull approach focuses on creating a strategy that naturally attracts customers. Similarly, being on a team teaches you when to take initiative and when to step back to create an environment where others can contribute. Being involved within a team dynamic also allows people the opportunity to expand their potential and be able to take more calculated risks with the presence of a support system. For example, while I am a self-independent worker, being involved in a variety of teams throughout my life has allowed me the opportunity to feel more comfortable voicing my opinions as well as learning to step back when someone has a different skill or strong suit than I might. As I mentioned with the push vs. pull strategy, being on a team teaches you to learn how to problem solve, voice ideas, know when to hold your tongue, and open your mind to facilitating new ideas.

So, if you have not already- join a team and develop into a better version of yourself.