Jan
10
Your Team
Anyone who has spent much time around me knows how much I value a group of people that I call the “team”. I often say, “You can’t pick your parents. You can’t pick your kids. But you had better pick a team!” The reality is that life is a team sport. There will come a time in life when you get a horrible news…perhaps a challenging diagnosis, a pink slip, a parent or child disappoints. Who do you turn to then? Co-workers are just that. Family may be too close. It may take a long time to cultivate a team but having one can be absolutely invaluable.
While there may be some benefit to having a diverse group, I believe that there are 5 traits that one should consider when picking their team. The are the five-C’s.
1. Character: Pick people who are of high character. There is not point in having a person in your inner-circle if you’re not willing to take their advice because of a character issue.
2. Commitment: Make sure that those closest to you care about your and are committed to you. Mutual commitment strengthens the value of your team.
3. Chemistry: Team mates are not cookie-cutters of you. However you have to be able to relate and get along when times are tough. It must be safe to speak the truth.
4. Compatibility: This has to do with “hopes, ambitions and dreams”. Your team works as your support system, coach, accountability and more.
5. Competence: When the stakes are high you can’t fumble the ball. Select people who are skilled, avoid drama and have perspective.
So how do you find a person or persons who measure up? The best way is to ask the question, “Does this person have what I want”? If they have struggled and survived and are willing to “do life together” then you may have the very beginnings of a wonderful team. This will prove helpful and will benefit better mental health and recovery programs.
If you would like to put together a team but are not sure where to start, give us a call. Heartland Intervention exists to help people and we are standing by at 877/752-8811.
