Girls on the Run is one of the best programs for encouraging a life-long individual sport while empowering teamwork. According to www.yale.edu teamwork is defined as such,
“Individuals have their own set of skills and strengths. When the whole team works as a unit, everyone has an opportunity to learn from each other. This process leads to resource building and enables the team to become better equipped to deal with new challenges.”
This is exactly what we want our girls to achieve and carry with them into adulthood! We want them to be able to learn from each other and be better equipped to deal with any new life challenge by themselves and with others. In this episode of IGNITE we will discuss the importance of teamwork and how to empower it through every practice.
Helen Keller said it best about teamwork- "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." Is there a difference between a “group” of people and a “team” of people? My brain definitely paints two different pictures when I hear the phrase “group of people” and “team of people.” The picture of a “group” is more like a gathering of people who like the same thing, whether it be food, music, sport, activity. On the contrary, a “team” of people looks like people working together to accomplish an end result aiming for some type of success. Consider your GOTR girls- are they a team or are they a group of joggers, girls, athletes, 4th graders, middle schoolers, etc.? If they are functioning as a group, here is how we make them a ROCKSTAR TEAM.
There are certain qualities that make a team a great team. One of those qualities is COMMUNICATION. When a team of athletes share problems and solutions, a bond is formed that builds trust. Trust is important in a team. Trust builds psychological security and aids in developing a strong sense of self and importance. This strong sense of self develops leaders and followers. Every great leader needs great supporters and followers. It is important to provide opportunities for every girl to lead and follow throughout the season. Keeping a POSITIVE ATTITUDE makes any leader a great leader and any team a great team. It provides a safe space to problem solve and encourage. The best motivation and encouragement to tackle obstacles and reach goals starts and ends with a positive attitude. Embracing the DIVERSITY is essential to having a spectacular team. Each team member is unique and valuable for their individual strengths and weaknesses. One cannot learn from something that is the same as what they already know or are accustomed to. Empowering the diversity, positive attitude, and communication will lead to successful team building and everyone reaching their goals. Each of these qualities, along with many more, are demonstrated throughout the GOTR curriculum. Our 5K is also the perfect opportunity to demonstrate how we reach our individual goals by utilizing our amazing GOTR team! Continue to give your girls the wings at each practice and watch them soar through the end of their season.
The 3 E’s to great teamwork:
EMPOWER them to lead the practices.
ENCOURAGE them to support and motivate.
EMBRACE the struggles and challenges with a positive attitude.
Shayla A is the Coach Mentor for Girls on the Run Kansas City. Her background comes from the classroom, coaching, day treatment schools, wellness, and advocating for children with special needs. She enjoys empowering and advocating for girls and coaches in every challenge and celebration. Connect with her for support and assistance this season via Leigh Krtec.
BOOK LIST TO EMPOWER YOUR TEAM:
Stick Together by Jon Gordon and Kate Leavell
Belonging by Geoffrey Cohen
The Buddy Bench by Patty Brozo
TO WATCH A VIDEO ON HOW TO IGNITE THE TEAMWORK: