Teaming

A team is a group in which members try to become one to achieve a goal. Their "oneness" while artificial, has meaning in that the task or goal can't become a reality because it depends upon the group and its varied talents to be a success. Group dynamics kicks in. Some groups are a natural. Everyone within the group, is compatible and intent upon the task at hand. Other groups are not as happy with that kind of structure but those in it, make the effort. The latter is probably the more common. Sports teams are groups in which there is a hierarchy that sees the few who have the talent and drive to send the ball into the hoop or the puck into the goal or the ball beyond the post and the rest, those who must support that one person. They know that they are not the "star" but the team as a whole can't win unless the hero of the game is assisted. The hero also knows that his/her success depends upon that support, therefore, all are, in fact, winners. It's why teams are all awarded the medals and not just the ones who actually got the points. Teams try to think, act and produce as a single mind toward a successful end. It's an honorable effort. In the team setting, however, there should be space for individuality as well. Good teams welcome input, fairness and lack of ego to get the job done. Teams have a saying: what goes on in the locker room, stays in the locker room. It's generally a fine idea as long as it stays in the locker room. Unfortunately, some teams take this kind of camaraderie beyond the locker room and think of themselves as group superhuman. It is common knowledge that some hotels shudder when a team arrives with its inflated ego intact. Some teams feel that it's okay to go beyond considerate behavior because they are super-human and thus beyond the rules. They can become a destructive, rowdy, loud-mouthed animal of sorts comprised of a bunch of human bodies roiled into one gigantic monster. They are the bane of many hotels, transportation companies and restaurants who try to keep their group clients under some sort of order and warn that if they do not comply, they are banned. We've all been on planes and trains and in hotels where teams arrived and bedlam ensues. Another bad feature of group activity in teams is their  language that they seem to feel is their right, one that goes beyond what they would allow themselves on an individual basis. Amateur teams are worst. The professionals adhere to better behavior because there are deterrents in place such as fines or exclusion. Supporters of some teams can be obnoxious, too. We heard recently of parents of children in teams, cat calling from the stands and actually becoming physically violent during games. Team psychology  tells us that solo persons would never do what those thinking of themselves as "team" would do. It is as though, that kind of individual forgets that he or she is not "the team", but someone entirely responsible for his or her unique actions. You can't hide behind or inside the group and be protected from your responsibilities as an individual. A good coach knows this and should impart it to the team and hope that it is sent on to supporters, too.