Let’s talk about TEAMWORK! Does the word make you think of an inspirational phrase? Maybe it reminds you of a historical event, like the final game of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team? Teamwork helps people achieve what couldn’t be achieved as an individual. It’s a powerful and often underrated word but, how does affect your everyday life?
Consider this: If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in a loving family, you’re already part of the greatest team you’ll ever know. Whatever
your circumstances, the people you call “family” will be people you understand. When it’s someone in your family, facial expressions, hand gestures, and even the way they walk are uniquely understood by you. When that collective understanding is applied to a task, it’s done with efficiency and cohesion. It’s representative of that moment when the two words, “team” and “work” come together.
These aren’t just lofty ideas. When a family (your family) applies itself as a team to accomplish work, there are some real benefits.
Working alone from the point of view of a child means chores, often perceived as an interruption to daily life. Despite the child’s perceptions, it’s an important part of improving self-efficacy and independence. That’s important! However, when work is done as a cohesive team, it introduces a whole new set of values and skills. Attention is shifted toward the goals of the team rather than that of the individual.
Give some thought to when and where chores can be done as a team. In other words, can/should the work be done individually, or as a team? A team environment gives people a sense of belonging. In a family, it can remind people that they are loved!
Teamwork keeps you safe. In some respects, the safety and security of the team is really where the rubber hits the road. Here are some examples:
- ● When you lose each other in a crowded shopping mall, and you’ve already discussed the coffee shop as the place where you’ll regroup, that’s teamwork.
- ● A effective team can anticipate each other’s actions, and you’re able to make shrewd decisions that ensure a favorable outcome — even when there is no plan!
- ● A nod, hand gesture, or certain posture can also communicate an unsafe situation. That also shows cohesive teamwork.It should be appreciated that team cohesion can be practiced in a fun environment. One of the most popular examples is camping, where you’re intentionally pulled away from comfortable surroundings and forced to adapt to a new set of variables as a challenge to your team.Maybe you don’t like camping. That’s totally OK. The point is to get creative in finding ways that enhance your ability to work as a team and strengthen family bonds in the process. Go team!