We hear these words constantly: “There’s no I in team.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. The “I” in team is the “I” of personal accountability. It sounds like this:
What can I do to make the team better?
When was the last time you asked yourself this question? Take a moment to think about the various teams you’re a part of: your home team (your family – immediate and extended), your friends, your work team, the volunteer teams you’ve committed to, etc. Are you playing the blame game? Are you focusing on what everyone else is doing wrong without considering what you can do to move the team forward?
Let’s be honest. It’s much easier to blame and point the finger than it is to take a good, hard look in the mirror and admit our own role in the team’s miscommunication or lack of progress.
What do you think the best leaders do? Do they remain in their comfort zones and think that everyone else is always the problem?
Or do they focus on what they can do to make the team – and in the process, themselves – better?
How about you? Are you looking for the “I” in team?