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#175 May 5, 2008

The opportunity to speak to law enforcement personnel recently about the importance of teamwork was a privilege I valued. One can readily recognize how important teamwork is to those whose credo is "To Protect and to Serve". What is teamwork, I was asked? We all believe in it, but what elements make up a good T*E*A*M?

There are many factors that go into effective teamwork. Some are visible, others may be intangible. One of those qualities is LOYALTY. Loyalty, a noun, is defined as "something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty". You can look it up in your Funk and Wagnalls.

On a T*E*A*M there must be constancy to its principles and/or goals. If a teammate decides to put him/herself ahead of the team, teamwork breaks down. And so, it follows that the team breaks down as well. It's easy to cite several examples of pro athletes who "play for their name on the back of their jersey instead of for the logo on their helmet". The question then becomes: to whom is that player loyal?

Loyalty, starts with self - keep the commitments you make to yourself! Can a case be made for "it's ok to do your own thing?" - not if you are part of a T*E*A*M that strives for achievement. No one wants to take away your individuality; it just means using your talents within the framework of your team. Team building comes before teamwork.

Loyalty becomes visible when you are willing to admit your mistake rather than alibiing your way out of it. When you step up to take responsibility for your actions, loyalty is strengthened. The old saying may be trite, but it's trite because it's true: "When you point a finger at another (i.e. focusing the blame on someone else), remember there are 3 (fingers) pointing back at you!" Where is a better place to learn teamwork than in sports, or a club, or being in the band, choir, etc.? Loyalty learned there will serve you well in your family, in school, in business or in any area involving relationships.

Perhaps Pulitzer Prize Sportswriter, the late Jim Murray, said it best when he was describing the qualities of a person he admired: "He makes the word loyalty a verb not a noun". In other words, put your loyalty into action - walk your talk - be a team player.

Will you make loyalty a verb in your vocabulary?