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Along Life’s Way
Working Together
By Lois E. Wilson
It is not clear where the slogan “There is no ‘I’ in team” originated.
It is frequently used in the world of business and sports to motivate
and emphasize the importance of teamwork when working toward achieving
goals. In the business arena, such as sales, sharing information and
duties can result in increased benefits for all. Cooperation is a plus.
There are very few who have played on a sports team and have not had
the phrase stressed by a coach. For example, in that context its
meaning is interpreted as one does not hog the ball in basketball, the
puck in hockey, etc. When teammates are observant, they look for open
opportunities and members to pass to and thereby increase the
likelihood of a successful outcome—a score.
Once when playing for the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan after scoring
20 straight points in a game, was reminded by a coach, “There is no ‘I’
in team.” Jordan replied, “There’s ‘I’ in WIN!” His remark seemed
arrogant at the time, but now is frequently added to the original
quote: “There is no “I” in team, but there is in win.”
Savvy coaches and business leaders have adopted the concept that
although teamwork can lead to success, a positive outcome can be
achieved when all on the team show their leadership skills and
contribute their talents to the effort. Everyone has abilities to offer.
In other words, do not discount a person’s value to the team for the
sake of teamwork. Both are important and should be considered in
decisions. After all, a win elevates everyone’s self-esteem and
self-confidence.
The business world and sports world do not want prima donnas on their
teams—no one does. However, there can be a balance in recognizing
personal skills which add value to the team. Therefore, team leaders,
coaches, and all of us have a responsibility to reward achievements by
words or other means.
In one’s life efforts toward success in whatever field chosen, there
should be opportunities for the observation, “There is no ‘I’ in team
but there is in win—and I have played an important role participating
in both.”
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