Many times the phrase is repeated: Winning cures all. It can be true or untrue, but there is a lot that goes into winning than simply having the most talent on a particular team.
There are many boxes that must be checked off to ensure you have the best chance to have success in your field of play. One of the most important aspects, in my opinion, that goes into having team success is having a group of selfless individuals that are willing to put the goal of the team ahead of their own personal aspirations. Working to be the best teammate you can be only makes the duties of each individual on the team, including coaches, much easier.
Athletes usually spend a ton of time with their teammates, so building healthy relationships are very important in translating your chemistry from off the floor into the field of play. As a teammate, there are a few important things that should be focused on that could really build your trustworthiness and leadership qualities.
For one, learning to communicate with your teammates is very much valuable. In athletic circles, we call it knowing your personnel, or KYP, which applies on and off the floor. On the floor, you want to know your teammates’ strengths and weaknesses so you understand how you can help put them in a better position to succeed.
For example, if your pitcher is having a rough day on the mound, it is important to know how he/she would respond to certain styles of criticism or encouragement. Does your teammate respond better to a pat on the back and a kind word of encouragement, or should you go the tough love route?
Spending time with your teammates off the floor and learning about them makes the aspect of communication on the floor so much easier. Put your phone down and go do an activity with your teammates. Team bonding events will always be for the better. Secondly, as a teammate, you should always challenge your teammates and hold them accountable when it comes to doing their job.
More importantly, holding yourself accountable, always, earns the trust and respect from your teammates. To be a leader, you cannot take a day off from accountability. There will be times, especially in practices, where you do not want to go so hard maybe because of some issues outside of your sport. These are the times you show you are strong and are willing to do whatever it takes to put your team first.
Also, pushing your teammates to become better and not letting them be content with mediocrity is key in team success. You are only as strong as your weakest link. So, if I am content with my “least talented” teammate being lazy today, did my team really progress today, or did we take a step backwards? Also, am I a consistent leader when the coach is present, versus when he is absent? This is a true test of trustworthiness, that, if failed, can ruin your on-the-court relationship with your teammates.
Last, but certainly not least, you must be willing to accept a lesser role, if need be. Not everyone is the CEO, and not everyone is the superstar. You have to recognize, and be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. If my teammate is in a role I want to be in, or that I think I could do better, that does not mean I wish bad on them so my turn will come sooner.
Instead, ask yourself what you could do to make their job easier. Continue to prepare and become better in different aspects of your game, therefore, when it is time for your role upgrade, you will be ready for the test. From the waterboy/girl to the head coach, everyone has a role to play, and if you do those small things well enough, it could mean the world to your teammates.
Focusing on these keys make the tough times, that are guaranteed to come, much easier to handle. If I trust my teammate has put the work in, that they will be honest with me, and that they genuinely want the best for me and the team, when the adversity hits, we will for sure be the more composed unit. The results will follow, even for teams that do not have the most talent.
In the National Basketball Association, the Golden State Warriors were actually a bad team with some of the same stars that they currently have playing now. What changed for them, in my opinion, besides the health of some guys, was the fact that they grew as leaders and became the best teammates.
This is something they talk about often. A graphic during a recent game they played showed that they had given the most “high-fives” on the floor over the past several years. This shows that the team is together both on and off the floor, and could not care less about who gets the praise for the team’s success.
Dallas Haywood
Sports Reporter
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