March Madness

"March Madness" is an exciting time of the year! Many people watched the college basketball tournament and cheered for their favorite teams! Not only is March a great time to follow college basketball, but also a wonderful time to think about the success of a team whether it be a family, an organization, a school, or a company.

Most people agree that a team is a group of individuals working interdependently toward a common goal for which members are mutually accountable. Unfortunately, whenever a person mentions the "individual" element, he or she is quickly reminded that the individual's identity must be suppressed for the good of the team. Thus the phrase, "There is no I in team.

What we must remember is the unique individuals who make up the collective teams in all facets of life, including families. Each person is unique, learns differently, is motivated differently, and possesses his or her own attributes. To get individuals to work interdependently, the uniqueness possessed by each human being must be recognized. If the "I" is missing in the team, the team does not really exist.

As you reflect on your "March Madness" experience, please remember the importance of each unique person that is part of "your team." Please treat each person as the unique person that he or she is and you will find the overall success of the team improve. What are you doing to support each person on your team? Please share examples of how you treat each person as a unique individual.