IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU! It's about the team...

Pin It I found a story on the World Wide Interweb today that really got my heart pumping!

Evan Barr

It's a heartbreaking story to share with your team about how individual quests for recognition can rob the entire team of success.

If every team member is only thinking about themselves then it's not much of a team...

At Loyola High School in Los Angeles California, a pole vaulter named Evan Barr, failed to clear his final height at the California state track and field meet. Not clearing the jump solidified a 3rd place standing, 2 places from that coveted State Title.  It was obvious that Evan was disappointed with the outcome. In that moment he shouted out a LOUD expletive.

Stop me if ya heard this before. "There's no I in..."

It's not hard to understand Evan's disappointment. He obviously wanted that Title and was frustrated that he came up short... so he yelled a curse word.

His response cost him 3rd place... The judges disqualified Barr from the event. Barr showed immediate remorse and apologized, but it was too late.

It gets worse...  Evan's moment of frustration for not reaching his personal best cost his entire Loyola Team a State Title!  Without the points from Evan's 3rd place finish, his team finished 2nd rather than 1st.  If Evan would have taken 3rd place, he and his team, would have been State Champions.

It's a painful lesson that maybe we can learn from.

If an individual is focused upon themselves, even if just for a moment, it can cost the Team. 

We need to constantly bring our teams back to a team concept. Before we know it, our teams can disintegrate into individuals who happen to wear the same uniforms... 

What are some ways we could encourage Team?

Maybe next time we honor someone, don't honor an individual, honor an entire team!
Thank  individuals for what they bring TO THE TEAM!
When you need to correct someone don't make it personal as in "Do what I say" instead "The team needs you to do this."
Challenge yourself to step back and give space for your team step up!

LEAVE A COMMENT to share some ways that you encourage your team?