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I miss all those great teams I was on. Mostly sports, but sometimes beyond that arena. I love teams that bond. I am amazed how much more you can accomplish when people know how to get a job done, as a unit. I am even more dazzled by the way individuals go that extra mile in support of their mates, like throwing that one last block, or diving in front of a terrifying slap shot, or making that key pass when a shot may have made them the hero.
It doesn't necessarily start out like that. There's a feeling out period, and there may be a few arguments along the way......but in the end, these are typically the things that must happen to get the rules of engagement sorted out. But gradually, sometimes dramatically, a team evolves that you will never forget. That's why the same old comments seem to be made by championship team members......about the perseverence and resilience of their mates, and how they overcame adversity and issues, and never gave up. Sounds repetitious, but if you've been on those teams, you know exactly what they are saying. The bond is as strong as steel. The memories will be forever.
Yes I've been on a few teams like that. Mostly sports. I believe sports brings out some of the fiercest loyalty that we can muster. Sports has the capacity to raise one another's game with the speed and scope of an intense wave. It is almost too hard to describe the tightness that a true team develops internally. Then again, I am also very proud to have experienced some outstanding teams outside of sports. It's incredibly special in the workplace, to be on a project for example, when people focus on the success of the group rather the personal accolades and promotional opportunities. Funny thing, those benefits are more likely to be derived if you create a strong team environment. I've witnessed where a high % of individuals (coming from a strong group setting) moved on to better things in rapid order, primarily because of the success they had as a unit.
In the end it leaves you with some wonderful memories, and when I happen to bump into some of these folks from those magical teams long ago in my life, the connection is still there. It's like we were on that team just a few days ago. Genuine friendship is like that. The bond is still strong. The relationship is solid. The first reaction is a smile.....
It doesn't necessarily start out like that. There's a feeling out period, and there may be a few arguments along the way......but in the end, these are typically the things that must happen to get the rules of engagement sorted out. But gradually, sometimes dramatically, a team evolves that you will never forget. That's why the same old comments seem to be made by championship team members......about the perseverence and resilience of their mates, and how they overcame adversity and issues, and never gave up. Sounds repetitious, but if you've been on those teams, you know exactly what they are saying. The bond is as strong as steel. The memories will be forever.
Yes I've been on a few teams like that. Mostly sports. I believe sports brings out some of the fiercest loyalty that we can muster. Sports has the capacity to raise one another's game with the speed and scope of an intense wave. It is almost too hard to describe the tightness that a true team develops internally. Then again, I am also very proud to have experienced some outstanding teams outside of sports. It's incredibly special in the workplace, to be on a project for example, when people focus on the success of the group rather the personal accolades and promotional opportunities. Funny thing, those benefits are more likely to be derived if you create a strong team environment. I've witnessed where a high % of individuals (coming from a strong group setting) moved on to better things in rapid order, primarily because of the success they had as a unit.
In the end it leaves you with some wonderful memories, and when I happen to bump into some of these folks from those magical teams long ago in my life, the connection is still there. It's like we were on that team just a few days ago. Genuine friendship is like that. The bond is still strong. The relationship is solid. The first reaction is a smile.....
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