It is that time again for chips and beer, hilarious commercials, and controversial half time shows, as we prepare for Super Bowl XLVI between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. After months of fierce competition, only two teams can make it to the final bout. There seems to be more excitement around the parties and food than the game itself.
With all the Super Bowl hype, I can't help but think about all the hard work it takes to get there, teamwork in particular. Not one team would be in the Super Bowl as a result of a single player alone. It's the joining of spirits and minds of all the players towards a common goal that takes the teams there. When my mentor, Rhonda Shasteen, and I talk about the team dynamic in our mentoring sessions, she always stresses the importance of working with your team and leaning on each other's unique experience to achieve the end goal.
Rhonda also highlights from time to time that those team members out there with personal agendas don't really get ahead in the end. People know when a co-worker has an agenda, and they don't support it. Unfortunately, that can be to the detriment of the team and your projects.
As we approach this year's Super Bowl, I challenge us all to stop to reflect in self-awareness, to see if we're doing everything we can to support our teams and the team's goals just like those players in the game. Your team can be a work team, family team, sports team, or volunteer team. You may realize you need to adjust and self-improve a bit, or you may be doing everything you can think of to help your team. Sometimes, you may need to give yourself an attitude adjustment in order to adopt that can do attitude that is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. If you aren't sure, find someone you trust to ask. Using others for sounding boards is a sure fire way to gain insights into the things you may not be able to or necessarily want to see about yourself.
Spend the next few days focusing on being a team player in honor of our teams. Go for the goal because you can, and may the best team win!
Comments