Makes the Dream Work!
Sometimes I think this phrase is over used, because it encompasses so many different types of teamwork. When you think about the phrase teamwork in-depth you realize, there may be different types, but in essence they are all the same. Whether you are on sculling crew of eight or a single sculling member, there is usually a support group that helps you along the way. When we talk about the Olympic competition many of the sports are done by a single member, downhill skiing, figure skating, swimming, ETC… If the truth be told no one got to the Olympics by themselves, they had a support group, trainers, parents, siblings, and endorsement groups to help them along the way. That is one of my favorite things about the fair, it is also true of each animal project. The camaraderie in the barnes is a life lesson for each young person about being a team player. Even though they are in competition with one another they help each other out every step of the way. This helps them become better competitors, better mentors, and all around better kids.
So what is so important about being a good team member? Well for one thing, it keeps you humble, realizing you did not get where you are by yourself. A sign of a good thoughtful person is one that is not afraid to share the spotlight with the people who help them get in that spot. What makes a good team to begin with? I’m not sure I can answer that with any amount of certainty, but I can tell you what I witnessed this evening at the fair. During the equine class called Versatility, the rider must change tack and clothing for each part of this event. In order to do this in under five minutes they are allowed to have an assistant to help with the tack changes. The assistant and the rider must be on the same wave link and communicate well with one another. Some of the best teams did not have to give instructions back and forth, but would anticipate each other’s needs and were ready to fill the void. Team members can also be honest with one another when something is not quite right, without fearing recrimination for saying so. All and all it was a most successful, entertaining, and rewarding night for both the audience and the participants.
As parents we often find ourselves doing everything for our children, instead of making them responsible for their own possessions. When they are small is a nice time to teach them to help you pick up their possessions. By helping you they will understand how important it is to take care of their possessions, while learning the lesson that teamwork gets things done faster at the same time. While accomplishing this feat, it is a good teaching opportunity, to tell them about taking care of what God has provided for them. Cleaning up after oneself may not be an Olympic sport, but it still can be a lesson in teamwork that will help them get to the finish line of life with an award-winning time.
We as authors usually work alone when we write, but with editors, agents, and publishers, we have quite a team backing us up. It is the same with our day-to-day life even if we don’t realize it. We have a mail person, and one at the grocery store, someone who keeps the telephone, (we habitually use) in working order. There is an old saying; that no man is an island, and I think if you stop and reflect on that statement, you will realize how many people you have in your life that’s on your team, helping you achieve your dreams.
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17