“I am still a bit upset at _____.”
“Why?”
The tremors in her voice touched my heart.
“He gave us something special. In a way he spoiled my experience forever. Now that I have tasted something near perfection, I keep trying to recreate it but it somehow always falls short. If only he had not exposed us to what teams could, should be.”
“I hear you. It was wonderful though. Truly the best.”
At the time I thought I knew how special the team was. Even with the death of one of the team members, and our conversations since, I thought I understood.
A new awareness has come as I consider a new team. I am told that teamwork takes precedence over the rush for results. On one hand I get the idea. I also understand the tension that naturally develops within an organization trying to realize the best of both worlds. In is in my reflection of what it takes to make this work that I have come to see what we had in a new light. Lessons that now stand out include the following.
Teamwork is born when we embrace what is best for all. Whatever we think we need individually takes second fiddle. I believe in the team and am willing to sacrifice whatever I think I need in order for it to succeed.
Individual buy-in is a heart decision. It is important to know that you are making the choice. That is the head part. The decision itself comes from a desire.
Making the decision and embracing the community are foundational to letting go of the issues, fears, and frustrations that you have. Spiritually, some described it as “exactly the same with Christ. By means of his one Spirit, we all said good-bye to our partial and piecemeal lives.” (1 Corinthians 12.12b) In this case, one comes into the team with a slate wiped clean, moving with hope, and reaching for more.
With sharpened awareness, I am in awe of the past, filled with hope in the present, and ready to act.
