I was listening to game 1 of the Atlanta Braves‘ double header against the New York Mets today on my way back to the office from lunch. The commentator was talking about some troubles that are taking place on the Mets’ squad, here is the philosophy of the commentator:
“It doesn’t matter whether you like or love each other on the team. All that matters is that you go out and play hard, and then go your separate ways after the game.”
I don’t believe I fully agree with this philosophy. Maybe on a sports team if you have a lot of individual talent, but then that talent can only take you so far. As well, when a team is built around hard work and talent, individuals have the tendency to do their own thing and go their own way. I believe it is important to have good re pore and unity amongst team members, a single focus and a single goal. This happens through strong relationships.
So, what’s your thoughts? Can a team (whether a sports team, a business team, a leadership team, a ministry team, etc.) win if everyone comes to their “job” works and plays hard, but never does anything to build relationships outside the job or even on the job?
I personally don’t think so. It’s hard for me to work with people whom I don’t know, or don’t like. When I have a good relationship with someone I know how to interact better with them. Knowing how to interact better with them usually has a more effective, more positive outcome.
Personally I always achieve better when I’m closer to the people around me, in more ways than physical proximity.
I believe the same can be said for a team even like the Atlanta Braves.
In all of the interviews with John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux what they talk about outside of the fourteen years of great baseball production, is the greatness they found in being so close with teammates.
Look at the Braves since all of the veterans have went their seperate ways and the young guys on the field are trying to bridge age-differences.
I think through interpersonal relationships you give God a gateway to do great things. Isn’t it true God works through love? And if you’re simply working alongside someone, how is a miracle supposed to happen?