One Apple A Day #858 - Teamwork
Until a few years ago, I was convinced to be a great team player. I thought I was one of those people every team craves to have on board.
I was always putting the team first, willing to any sacrifice for the interest of the collective.
However, sooner or later, it always ended up with me walking away disappointed.
"They can't see my contribution." That is what I used to think most of the time.
Growing up and after more failures, I began to look inward. I realised I wasn't playing for the team, but I was hiding in it.
Because I was too scared to show up in my uniqueness, I was putting the team first in the hope to be seen and acknowledged.
But how can others see me if I kept hiding? I can others respect my needs and desires if I am the first one to ignore them?
As a result, all my commitment to the team slowly became resentment for not being seen and acknowledged until I had to walk away.
Plus, I wasn't even serving the team because I wasn't showing up with all my potential.
It took me many years and painful failures to understand that the best way to contribute to a team is to show up at my best, and synchronise my needs and desires with the collective ones.
If I am part of a team, I am in service to the team by taking care of myself and vice-versa. If you feel you're sacrificing yourself for the team, then maybe you're putting yourself outside of it.