Teamwork: The Skill You Can't Afford to Ignore

I was a math major in college, and I still remember the day in my junior year I called my dad while walking to the administration building to change my major. I had just finished a Differential Equations class and was overwhelmed, frustrated, and convinced that math was just too difficult for me. The endless equations and complex theories felt like an insurmountable wall, and I was ready to throw in the towel.

I wanted him to tell me it was ok for me to quit. To tell me, “It’s ok, Darc! You don’t have to try so hard. Do something easier. It’s not worth the trouble and all the stress you’re feeling.” I didn’t need his permission, but I wanted him to tell me it was ok to throw in the towel.

If you know my dad, you know that’s not at all what he said.

By the end of the conversation, he convinced me to stick it out. In the same way I counseled my daughters to not quit a sport in the middle of the season because they weren’t good at it, he reminded me that “difficult” wasn’t a reason to change majors.

“Nobody is born knowing calculus.”

I know I certainly wasn’t.

The Learning Edge of Teamwork

The same is true for working on teams. No one is born knowing how to interact with different personality styles, handle difficult interactions, or show empathy when frustrated. But just like with math or chemistry or getting a two-year-old to eat anything green, you can learn how to do it.

Learning teamwork can be difficult because it seems like it should be obvious. How many times have you heard the following?

• Listen to what team members are saying and pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Acknowledge and appreciate the unique strengths each team member brings.
• Try to understand the other person’s perspective before jumping to conclusions.

None of this is new! This is common sense, right? Maybe until you actually have to do it. And then it becomes another “solve for x” problem that we stare at in the math book with no idea where to start.

No Throwing in the Towel… The Next Team Awaits

You can’t just throw in the towel on teamwork. Believe me, I’ve wanted to a few times. But unless you’re retiring to a deserted island, the next team is always waiting for you. You need to practice and train, just like with any other skill.

Picture this: You’re struggling with a difficult project, and the team dynamics are driving you bananas. The thought of quitting and finding a new job where everything will be magically perfect is tempting, right?

But here’s the thing—no matter where you go, teamwork will follow you like a shadow. It’s unavoidable. So, why not get good at it?

You wouldn’t run a marathon without training first. The same logic applies here. Think of teamwork as a muscle. The more you work it out, the stronger it gets. Avoiding the practice just means you’ll face the same struggles over and over, whether it’s with your current team or a new one.

Embrace the Practice

Building teamwork skills takes time, effort, and consistency. You have to embrace the practice and make it a regular part of your routine. Because, as they say, the grass is greener where you water it.

Here are a few steps to get started.

• Start Small: Practice active listening in your next meeting. Really focus on what your team members are saying.
• Be Patient: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are high-functioning teams. Give yourself and your teammates some grace.
• Seek Feedback: Ask your teammates what you can do to communicate better or support them more effectively.

Remember, small, consistent efforts lead to big improvements. Keep at it, and over time, you’ll see your team grow stronger, more cohesive, and more effective. Practice makes progress, and with each step, you’re getting closer to becoming a high-performing team.

Build Your Thoughtfully Fit Core: Pause. Think. Act.

Here’s your Thoughtfully Fit one-minute workout for the week:

Pause: Take a moment to reflect on your recent interactions with your team. Was there a particular situation where you felt frustrated or unsure how to respond? Identify one specific instance.

Think: Consider what you could’ve done differently. Did you actively listen? Did you try to understand your teammate’s perspective? Were you patient and empathetic? Pinpoint one area where you can improve.

Act: Choose one actionable step to practice in your next team interaction. Maybe it’s focusing on active listening, showing more patience, or asking for feedback on your communication. Commit to this change and notice how it impacts your team dynamics.

Stick With It: Your Team Needs You

Just like my dad told me to stick with my math major, I’m telling you to stick with your team. The effort you put in now will pay off, not just for your current situation, but for every team you work with in the future.

Nobody becomes a superstar by throwing in the towel. So, lace up those teamwork sneakers, and hit the practice field. And who knows? You might even start enjoying those team meetings. (Okay, maybe not enjoying, but at least surviving!)

For me, well, graduating Summa Cum Laude is a huge accomplishment I’ll forever be proud of!