The idea of being a team player has a stigma surrounding it that one constantly needs to
be acting in the best interest of the team, but underneath that lies the selfish values of every player to be recognized. In cultures like that of Ghandi and Mother Teresa, it is popularized to act for the betterment of others at the expense of oneself. Letting go of the ego and being charitable or in service of others is what is most appreciated; however, this can be detrimental to personal well being. Although humans have a nature to reside in packs, their need for glory and recognition can not be ignored. When a child starts playing a sport, they generally want to be the player who is recognized the most: in football they’d be the quarterback, in baseball they’d be the pitcher, etc. From such a young age children pick up on the fact that recognition leads to boosts in self esteem, thus, as far as people can remember, being a team player has had a negative connotation. Group projects in middle-school on have the difficult job of redefining the phrase “team player,” but the basics of what’s been instilled into youth can’t be completely erased. Lebron James said, “I think, team first. It allows me to succeed; it allows my team to succeed.” Even when describing the loyalty he feels about his team, he can’t help but mention that a win for the team is really a win for himself, which is likely due to the fact that he is seen as “the king.” Growing up playing softball, I’ve experienced the different layers to being a team player. On one hand, you need to do what is best for the team, but on the other hand you have to
think about what would benefit you the most. In a situation where college scouts are watching
you and you know that if you bunt the ball you’ll move the runners in to scoring position, but
you need to show off your hitting skills, what do you do? If you are a team player, the scout to
the college of your dreams might not wait to watch you in another at bat. In this situation being a
team player is relinquishing an opportunity for your future. In the NFL, doing touchdown
celebrations was banned because it promoted individuality in one of the greatest team sports,
thus players were forced to suppress their happiness to satisfy others. A situation most everyone
can relate to is when you are working with a partner on a group project and end up doing the
entire thing. It calls into question whether you should be a team player and suffer the B grade or
tell your teacher and get an A, while your partner gets an F. Through all the pessimistic talk, it is
still beneficial to be a team player, to a certain extent, because your career may involve working
with a group. Perhaps there should be a divide. In the high school and collegiate level, being a
team player and the pressure that goes along with it should be reconsidered. However, in
professional settings the mentality of being a team player should be employed. There is still and
will always be a desire for glory, but considering the age and maturity in professional settings
there is less competition within teams and more competition amongst teams. With that being
said, I believe that, in a utopian society, being a team player means believing in and working
toward the greater good that benefits your team. In the real world, being a team player means
relinquishing apart of yourself to benefit the masses.
This was a very in depth view of group promotion I’ve never even thought of. This was a well argumented piece of literature! -Joshua Kidwell
ReplyDeleteI can see the frustration with the phrase "team player". I loved how you took something that is seen as a good trait to have and revealed its true meaning and how it is missed used. When you used the example of children who strive to be in a position where they are recognized, I knew that what you were arguing was true because I did the same thing. Looking back on it, being recognized or being the example for what your coach thinks is perfect is not a team player. I really admire the use of everyday examples as well, its what makes your piece great. I really enjoyed reading your story.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you express the true meaning of what a team player is and how it's not all about how to make yourself look better than others but to think about how it will affect the rest of the team and to do what's better for everyone thought it my have a negative impact on you. This is a great point you made of being at team player as you provided excellent examples.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your view on what it means to be a team player. Your example of a college scout attending a game and you have the option of helping your team or helping yourself really solidified your point. I like how you were able to relate it to your life to make it more meaningful.
ReplyDeleteYour unique view on promotion and individuality is one that is never quite mentioned. You have exposed an ideal that has been running and shining for years now. Whether it stands out in professional sports, corporate offices or group projects with eleven-year-olds - you have exposed a social tendency that is supported constantly throughout our high school careers and into higher level education and then later into our careers. Your expansive view on a social connotation that is, again, constantly supported is quite revealing compared to how many blindly follow it. - Milena Codling
ReplyDeleteThis whole work redefined my look on teamwork and how society can have a negative impact on children and what they truly think about teamwork. You brought up great arguments that can persuade many people. You have shown the harsh reality that the world lives in and showed how it can hurt everyone.
ReplyDeleteShould one make decisions based on their own interests, or the interests of their peers? I think this question is one all of us must answer on a pretty constant basis, and in Western culture the ideology of individuality and self interest is particularly embedded. For this reason, many of us tend to answer this question in favor of our own goals and rewards when acting impulsively, so I think it is especially important that we be reminded of the strengths of outward focus and group fortification, as well as brought to awareness of our self-centered natures (I mean this in a non-accusatory sense; I don't mean to say that humans are naturally evil or selfish, but that our culture has made us naturally inclined to address our own needs before the needs of others). That being said, I do appreciate that you don't blindly defend the "utopian" ideal of teamwork; rather, you state the benefits of teamwork, but then concede that realistically, the best way to succeed is to strike a balance between the two interests. Thank you for writing your piece addressing this topic-- it is a thought provoking subject, and your conclusion about it was satisfyingly compromising.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your views of a team player, It makes us consider other ideas and perspectives of what other consider a team player and not just ourselves. A great point that sparked my interest was on the topic that in order to be a true team player, sacrifices must be made even if it has a negative impact on you individually.
ReplyDeleteThis unique view on teamwork that you have analyzed here is a very interesting point of view by stating that going out of your way to work better as a team you are bringing yourself down. You paint a difficult position in which no matter what decision is made a bad outcome could be reached, you could look better at the expense of the team not doing as well, or your team could do better at the expense of your own image. I love the application of selfish human nature brought as a good thing for just trying to succeed as oneself. Very well written.-Nathan Brown
ReplyDeleteBrooke, your writing is truthful and unapologetic, and is, in turn, powerful. This piece provided me with a new perspective on a concept I had already defined for myself, without taking into consideration my own experience. After reading this, I have reflected on my experience with being a 'team player' and I have to agree with your final definition of a team player as one that relinquishes some of themself for the perceived greater good. Your writing is brave, personal, and encourages the reader to reflect and open their mind to a new perspective and for that, I commend you. Great work!
ReplyDelete-Ashley Sierra-Tillery
I really enjoyed your point of view, it was very philosophical. I liked when you mentioned the dilemma of being a team player and taking all the glory. I also like how you compared it to group projects because I think most of us have all been there.
ReplyDelete-Deanna Ortega
After reading this I felt that I really relate to being a team player and your piece in general because being in a sport and being in ASB has taught me that everyone has their own input to things and everybody's decision matters. Everybody in this world should be able to say what they want whenever they want. The part of the piece you written that I really enjoyed is the part where you said "in a utopian society, being a team player means believing in and working toward the greater good that benefits your team" and the reason for that is because being able to work toward a common goal with others is satisfying because not only do you learn the aspects of what it takes to be a leader it also has shown the world that you are qualified to see others for who they are on the inside and not the outside. It also shows what you stand for and what you do for the greater good. ~ Tanner Antonucci P.5
ReplyDeleteLeslie R.- Well I definitely did not expect your piece to take the turn it did, but I completely related to it, this was just so real. There is definitely that struggle that you face sometimes when you are working in a group. trying to decide whether to take the fall with your group or stand up and get the credit you deserve. Your complete honesty and matter-of-fact nature made this interesting to read.
ReplyDeleteI can see the frustration with the phrase "team player" in your piece. I loved the example of the child who wants to be front and center just to be recognized, because I remember a time when I did the same thing. Your piece has made me look back on that time and realize that getting all the credit isn't that great. I really appreciate how your piece brings out the bad side to something that is thought to be a good quality to have. -Kailee Hinds
ReplyDeleteSeeing your view pf teamwork was amazing and interesting. Seeing how its in a different perspective also seemed to change mine as well. Using Lebron as an example as well was interesting. Overall, my view for team player and seeing your view on it as well was great.
ReplyDeleteBrooke, this was written really well. I loved how you offered different scenarios of perspective on sportsmanship. You expressed how I feel, being an athlete, it’s not easy to be a “team player”. Also, you made me view sports in a new way. Great jo
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this very much as for I was in many sports were the team depended very heavily on each individual. Being an athlete is so hard at times however the end goal is everything. Great job !
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