We all have special talents. We all excel in certain areas. But we also have blind spots and weaknesses. Some of us are extroverts who thrive on presentation skills but lack the analytical capabilities to round out the sales cycle. Some of us are introverts who shy away from the spotlight but can solve any problem with applied logic. Some of us communicate effectively but lack organizational skills. Others have a disciplined approach to troubleshooting but struggle writing an effective summary. In any office environment, you have a group of individuals who each contribute to the collective success of the organization. But team members must understand their own strengths and weaknesses when trying to move the ball forward. Learning to trust your teammates and give up control in certain situations can be healthy and productive. You have a special talent. Think of it as your superpower. But for every superpower there is Kryptonite. Recognizing where your weakness begins and another’s strength starts is a key ingredient for success. By the same token, managers must understand and enforce the proper swim lanes for each employee. Managers also need to recognize they cannot step in and take over every aspect of the operation. Maximizing the efficiency of your team is about understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your employees and trusting your team to succeed without your constant involvement.
A man’s got to know his limitations–Dirty Harry Callahan
In addition to understanding your own strengths and limitations, it is also important to realize that your actions have a cascading impact on the larger team. No one operates in a vacuum. My old high school football coach (queue “Glory Days”) had an expression when someone stepped out of their “swim lane” on defense: “We don’t need any mavericks out here!” Eleven men each have responsibility for a certain area of the field. If one player tries too hard to cover for someone else or simply abandons their assignment, the entire system breaks down exponentially and chaos rapidly ensues. Each player’s movements are interconnected in perfect symmetry. When a coach can bring teammates together to recognize this, it can be poetry in motion. If players step out of their swim lanes and pursue their own agenda, it can be a disaster. The same discipline applies to any team. The military. Your business. Your family. Each unit succeeds if team members stay in their swim lanes and recognize the importance of their role in the collective success of the team. Each unit fails when members operate without regard or concern for other members of the team.
But staying in your swim lane does not mean closing yourself off to learning new things. We can always develop our skills and improve upon our weaknesses. Limitations do not have to limit us forever. Fear of presenting in front of an audience? There are classes to help you overcome your anxiety. Having trouble multi-tasking? Slow down and focus on the most important tasks in the moment. Feeling out of shape? Join a workout group or start with small, achievable goals. Your limitations should never control your future. Trusting your teammates, your classmates, your colleagues or your family with complementing your weaknesses can be incredibly rewarding and create a productive team dynamic. But we can always step outside our comfort zone and conquer new challenges. That is how we grow. That is how we move forward. That is how we stay resilient!
We tend to take our own skills for granted. The talents that come so easily to you are a struggle for someone else. Give yourself some credit. Recognize that you are special. Reflect on your unique abilities and celebrate the positive contributions you make to society. But also appreciate there are others who possess skills that are superior to yours in other areas. Do not let that frustrate you. Instead, embrace their talent and allow them to make your team better. Allow them to make your organization unassailable. Allow them to make your family stronger and more loving. We have to recognize that we have limitations. But we also have to recognize the incredible impact our talents can unleash on this world. Go out and make it happen.
Until next week, keep smiling.
Rob, your post emphasizes teamwork this week. I believe strongly that teamwork is the key to meeting many of life’s challenges. It is SO important for all children to be involved from the earliest ages in team endeavors–it provides a key building block to a successful life. BTW, doesn’t have to be sports–choir teams, debate teams, whatever.
Thanks, John. It’s all about the team!
Nice thoughts and insight. I may share this with my Administrative team and Department chairs. Plus, I liked the swimming reference from a football player.
Thanks, Chris. I thought the swimming reference might catch your attention. Share away!
Terrific read and analysis. If these principles are simply applied in life both yourself and the people you come in contact with most everyday will be efficient, successful and happy. And as a football coach you know I am all about teamwork.
Thanks, Whit! Keep that defense humming. Poetry in motion!