I have learned to listen closely to those who love me deeply but are not impressed by me. Those people have my best interests in mind and encourage me towards my best next steps. Their perspective is valuable. I have learned to refuse to listen to critics who do not have my best interests in mind. How
Great teams create a safe environment to develop because they see their team and teammates not as good or bad but rather on a developmental spectrum with room to improve. Ordinary teams know their performance is constantly judged as good or bad. Great teams see each circumstance as an opportunity to grow and that creates an environment
Every great team has a culture of evaluation. This is necessary to assess effectiveness and effort. Even their assessment is effective because they assess the right things. It’s easy to measure things that are going to show a positive result but great teams are not afraid to take a look under the hood to see what needs
People lose influence with me when I begin to notice a lack of alignment in agenda. I am always open to feedback from those who are going where I am going but I am not open to feedback from those who are following a different path. This is different than not listening to those who disagree. I
We all say that we want feedback but really it’s only welcome in areas that aren’t that big of a deal. I know I have areas that I feel are off-limits. Feedback in those areas challenge the narrative of who I say I am. Deep down, I may know that narrative is more aspirational than real, but
Lone wolves are at a distinct disadvantage to great teams in the area of growth and development. We all require others to point out areas of necessary improvement. This can be hurtful at times which explains the existence of the lone wolf despite the clear disadvantages. When I am immature, I must depend on the maturity of
Usually we know we have become close enough to be family if someone we care about has the ability to hurt us. Family doesn’t quit on family. That fact can scare us because if someone does quit on us, then we are rejected as family. This fear and insecurity could be what is behind all of the
Accomplishing the impossible together as a team has the inevitable effect of creating a strong family bond. It builds trust, however, it also creates the opportunity to be hurt. As I begin to deepen my connection with someone, I am making myself more and more vulnerable. This is because the more I care, the more I can
The difference between great and ordinary teammates is how they receive feedback. I remember sitting in hours and hours of film study as both a football player and coach. The great players couldn’t wait to watch the film and the ordinary ones showed up because they wanted to avoid the extra laps at practice for missing film.
There are times that tough conversations are necessary between teammates. Teammates should always be both accepting of who someone is but honest enough to encourage them to be the best version of themself. This is the greatest benefit of a team and therefore the greatest responsibility of a teammate. The responsibility of being honest with a teammate