Horse team, rooster team, dog team, etc. The commonality in each, is the word "team" and yet it has taken me two years with help to understand what that actually means. My first year on the team I was simply scared spitless and this second year has been about balancing two jobs, team requirements plus travel and the usual stuff life throws at us. And yet I really do not have a good reason as to why I have not been a better team mate. I used to work in management and so I have a very good understanding of what being part of a team involves. It makes sense that I should have been able to transfer this knowledge to the I Ho Chuan team. Unfortunately when I'm not comfortable and confident with what I am doing I tend to follow or hide rather than lead. This is still not a reason because some communication on my part would have gone a long way towards being a better team mate.
Yes, we have this amazing supportive and non-judgemental environment that provides a great team atmosphere. Yet how many of us actually understand and embrace the concept of what being part of a "team" means. We all have our own reasons and motivations for joining the team and we know upfront what the base requirements are. This is all set out in black and white. Our journeys are all very unique and sometimes because of this I think there can be a feeling of being somewhat separate from the team. I know for myself that even being away for one class, I start to feel a lack of connection which makes communication all the more important. The grey areas are how you fill in the spaces and mesh the individual and team components together creating a true team environment. I was so focused on my own journey that I forgot about some of the other aspects of being part of a team.
At work if I am going to be away I will arrange for someone to cover for me. I make notes, I plan, I organize and I communicate. It is really quite simple. I would never just assume or hope that some one else was going to take care of what needs to get done. I know that our intentions are good, but follow through and communication are going to create a stronger team environment.
Even though we all have individual unique journey's, we are much stronger and more effective when working together as a "team". Look at what we accomplish when we all come together as we plan, practise and get ready for the Chinese New Years Banquet.
Namaste,
Michele Ward
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