We are a team

One of the great experiences in sport is to be a member of a team that gets along well and works as a cohesive unit. Harmony grows when we take the time to stop long enough to listen to others and when they listen to you; when we respect their feelings and they respect yours; when we accept their differences and they accept yours; when we choose to help them and they help you. Harmony is rooted in mutual trust and respect.

When we know that someone needs you, cares about you, appreciates you, respects you, believes in you, and accepts you – with your imperfections – harmony is nurtured. When we help others and they help us, we begin to appreciate each other. When we get past the surface and begin to understand another person’s problems, challenges, or perspectives in a more intimate way (don’t think otherwise), we feel more connected with them.

It is rare that teammates or coaches intentionally create conflict or resentment, or set out to hurt others’ feelings. It has happened before in the past. No one gains from that process; it usually puts both parties through unpleasant turmoil and creates stress that ultimately affects team performance negatively. A lack of awareness of other people’s feelings, or a misinterpretation of actions of intentions is the root of many interpersonal conflicts.

There are vast individual differences among members of all teams… different experiences, different perspectives, different responses to stress, different ways of focusing or coping with distractions, different strengths. These differences can work to our advantage and make us stronger as a team if we are willing to learn from each other, to work together, and to share our thoughts and strengths. No one knows everything. But when teams of people put their heads together, they can contribute to a team’s success.

Everyone on a team is linked together like a family. What we do and how we respond to others have an effect on how others feel and how they respond to you. To make this kind of family happy and productive, each of us has to do our part. It may take a little extra effort in the beginning, but it’s worth it in the end. When we encourage each other, help each other, listen to each other, support each other, and interact with each other in positive ways, everybody will be happier, work harder and learn more. In sport and in life, the most powerful teams are made up of individuals who have chosen to work as a team.

This song "Brothers under the Sun" by Bryan Adams is dedicated to the team. You are all my brothers.