What Kind of Teammate are You?

You gotta figure that I'm around athletes pretty much all day.  In the clinic, on the sidelines, at games and events far and wide.  Because of that, I have the opportunity to observe those same athletes at their best and worst.

At moments when they are frustrated, beaten down, maybe about to give up as well as those moments of elation when it all comes together.  Sort of the old Wide World of Sports mantra "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat."

I happen to believe that our true characteristics, our basic self comes out during those times.  So I find myself categorizing teammates.  I generally categorize teammates several ways:

1.  The Selfish Ones.  You know the type.  It's all about them.

Oh, they might pay lip service to "team first" and all that but if they don't get their playing time or the ball in their hands or (heaven forbid) be relegated to the bench, then you're going to see their true stripes. 

If they are playing, they might be the ones to yell at others for making a mistake.  If they aren't playing, they're usually sulking.

2.  The "I'm Just Glad To Be Here."  They're not really bad teammates but maybe lack the ambition to be on the field or court when it really matters.  Maybe they just want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.  That's OK.

3.  The Vocal Leader.  There should probably be a couple of subcategories here. 

The Vocal Leader that is always encouraging others is a good one.  You've probably seen them.  They are always upbeat and positive.  You want them on your team.  They can make the game more fun.

And then there's the Vocal Leader that just sort of yells all the time.  Maybe they see themselves as an extension of the coaching staff and assume personal responsibility for things like discipline. 

Quick to criticize others, they just might benefit from a healthy dose of self-inspection.  Or maybe it's all they know--it's how they've been raised or coached in the past.

4.  The One That Makes Everyone Better.  You know the type.  You LOVE playing with them. 

Unselfish maybe to a fault, they are more concerned about helping others and are super low on the selfishness index.  You've seen the point guard that seems to enjoy the great assist more than their own production. 

I think most football lineman could be good candidates for this category.  Their name doesn't get in the newspaper often but they enjoy the clear path they make for the running back or the double team they take so the linebacker can make the tackle.

 5.  The True Leaders.  They lead by example, sometimes not so much by words.  They encourage others.  They make everyone around them better.  They work hard, learn from their mistakes, and admit when they're wrong.

They give the proverbial 100%.  You want to be better because of their unselfish play.  They know completely that together any team is better as a team than they are as a collection of individuals. 

Which one are you?