Have you ever been part of a team where some of the members were not team players?

Team players are people who do not have a need to be right all the time, who know the value of compromise, who know that success is achieving the mark regardless of who takes the lead and gets the credit, who pitch in even when it is inconvenient and don’t make a big fuss over it. A solo player is someone who does not like to have rules imposed on them, does not need consensus, does best when given a goal and are freed to find the way to succeed on their own.

Problems emerge when a solo player is put into a team or when members of a team are treated as solo players.

We each have a little of both in us but invariably we have a preferred style. It does not matter what it is. What’s important is to know ourselves, to acknowledge the style of those we work and play with, and honor the differences and contributions of each. This will decrease frustration and prevent unrealistic expectations. Then the possibilities are endless.

There are many layers and angles to this topic. Consider this merely an introduction to the concept. Your experience can do the rest.

Made you think?

I am listening …

A question posed to me by a friend was intriguing. She asked: “Where does your mind rest when it’s not busy thinking on purpose”.

Her question stopped me on my tracks. Having been a meditator for years, I gave her the politically correct answer. Then I hung up and really dove into the question. Found out my mind is busy thinking of the past as well as elaborating and fantasizing about the future. I realized that nothing that was on my mind at that moment had to do with the present, where life is actually happening.

Thanks my friend, I needed a reminder that all I have is this moment, the present, and if I am fully here, in it, the future takes care of itself and the past is healed by this moment of truth.

Can you relate?

I am listening …

It hit me one day that I grow most through those moments when I exercise my awareness and will power in the present moment.

Recently I was judging myself negatively for how I handled a situation. I was thinking: “you should not have done so and so “. In the midst of this inner dialogue another thought came: “what would happen if in this moment, in this instant, I forgave me and stopped judging myself?”. So I did. Tremendous peace and understanding followed.

Catch yourself judging you. Stop the judgement dialogue. Then forgive you for whatever you think you have done wrong or should have done differently.

What happens? Stay with it. It takes practice.

I am listening …