Have you ever been a part of a super high – performing team? It can be such a deeply satisfying experience when you get to work with people whose personalities, dedication to a common goal, and individual talents merge in a way that seems like they were made for each other. Even though this will not always be the case as not everyone is compatible, having a common goal can overcome this barrier. If you’ve experienced that kind of inspirational team spirit at work or with an actual sports team you know it doesn’t happen by accident. High performing teams rather than talented individuals carrying the load for everyone else’s benefit are created and nurtured by capable leaders. These leaders know how to create an environment where each individual member has the opportunity to thrive.x
Many of us have also experienced the exact opposite association of teamwork. It all starts with those ill-fated group projects in school where one person did all the work, the rest of the group shared equal credit and it never really changed for any group project thereon or where there are parents often who feel like martyrs destined to sacrifice everything that makes them feel good and strong and valuable as an individual for the sake of their occasionally grateful family.
Do you have a Family? Surprise , you have a family team! Maybe you don’t act like it yet. However it is completely possible for all of you to work together as an
organized unit. . You will be working on a group project that will last at least 18 years. Isn’t it worth your time to learn how to be a capable leader of your family team and share the load.
A family is not just a group of individuals living together under one roof or a group that is related by blood or name; it is a cohesive unit that thrives on teamwork and a bond. No matter the make up of a family, a family is a team . Just like a sports team, everyone has their function for the team. In the sports team even if one player might seem more important, missing that player or the role they play would hinder the function of the team. It can also be viewed that each person in a family has a unique role in the structure and function of the family. The individual strengths, traits and personality of each member of the family all contribute to part of the family team.
The concept of family as a team is crucial for several reasons, each contributing to the overall well-being and peace within the household. The concept of teams speaks to a universal human need to be part of something meaningful. Adults and children alike would like to be in a group or a cause larger than themselves. Highlighting a child’s important role in a team helps them feel a part of the group and helps build relationships with the other members of the team.
Just like a team in sports or at work with shared goals, viewing your family as a team can help reinforce the idea that you are all working together towards a shared vision such as knowing what the goal of the family team is and how you are going to work on maintaining a functioning team. Other shared goals and values the family want to achieve and uphold, could be simple as maintaining a happy and healthy household, or a specific as saving up for a family vacation. Working together towards these goals strengthens family bonds and creates a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
In teams after a game or project is done, there are usually discussions on the results . Just the same open communication will be needed among family members. where it allows opinions, needs , mistakes and successes all to be shared without fear of judgment, punishment or any negative response. This helps in understanding each other’s needs, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive atmosphere at home.
Families are meant to be a source of support and encouragement. Just as teammates support each other during challenges, families provide a crucial support system for each member. Calling your family a team can underscore the importance of providing encouragement, empathy and assistance to one another during good times and difficult times. Referring to your family as a team can also foster a sense of unity and togetherness. It emphasizes the idea that you all are in this together, facing life’s challenges as a cohesive unit. This strengthens bonds between family members and promotes a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Just like in any team, there is always an adult in charge . The coach sets the rules and decides who has which task . In a team tasks are often divided based on individual strength and skills. Similarly within a family different members have different strengths and therefore different responsibilities. By thinking of your family as a team you can better appreciate and leverage each person’ s unique abilities to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. Teamwork can be exhibited within a family through the division and completion of household chores. Parents may assign age- appropriate tasks to their children, such as setting the table, taking the garbage out or folding laundry. By working together family members can complete chores more efficiently and ensure that everyone contributes to maintaining a clean and organized home. Dividing responsibilities can also include: childcare, financial management, and more.
Teams rely on collaboration to succeed and families will be no different. Each member of a family plays a unique role and contributes in their own way to the overall well – being of the family unit. By recognising and appreciating each other’s contribution you can foster a sense of teamwork and unity. Collaborating within a family teaches important life skills such as cooperation, negotiation, compromise, and problem-solving. These skills are valuable for personal growth and for building relationships outside the family. Families face various challenges over time. By working together as a team, they can adapt to changes, overcome obstacles, and grow stronger as a unit.
A team spends a lot of time working together and practicing. Likewise, we need to find ways for our family team to spend time together whether it’s game nights or movies or family dinners. The more time we spend on common goals, the stronger our relationships will be.
Teams celebrate their victories. The most important principle we can learn from teamwork is that everyone wins together. When one team member succeeds, we all win and we need to celebrate together. But just as different people on a team have different strengths we need to help our children find their own avenues to succeed. Whatever the avenues are, we have to recognize them and make sure that the entire family joins in the celebration. Families therefore will celebrate accomplishments, milestones and special moments together. Recognising and acknowledging these moments can help strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. It is therefore seen where teamwork in a family promotes a harmonious environment where each member feels valued, supported, and connected, contributing to overall well-being and happiness.
Why are these qualities of teamwork important to families? Sure it is easy to work as a team when things are going well but when families face times of stress or crisis, teamwork is especially important. Working together as a team strengthens the family bond. It creates a sense of belonging especially when it supports the family shared goals.Family teams form the first interactions for children. The skills learned in the family team setting will help to lead success in the future in areas of sports school and career. Take time to think about your family team. How is your family team functioning? The good news is, it’s never too early to start implementing the family team concept. By emphasizing teamwork and its significance from an early age, children not only develop essential life skills but also form deep lasting connections with their parents and siblings, laying the foundation for healthy relationships throughout their lives. It’s never too late either to turn things around if you’re headed in the wrong direction. Now is the time to try, take some time to develop and establish a winning family team.
-References: –
Raising Children as a team: why is it important.
building a strong family team: 3 fundamental techniques
Creating a winning family team
Why is it important to build a family team
why would you call your family a team?.
Gillian Rivas. Petit Valley Girls