Team First

Make a Difference Team First Mizzou Football

“Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a society work, a civilization work.”
–Vince Lombardi

Nothing compares to the thrill of a team uniting for one common goal. All great organizations are marked by desire to achieve, and a healthy team is comprised of committed players who work for the success of the unit, not for their individual gain.

In order to have a great team, you must be a committed player. Instead of focusing on how your teammates can improve, set the focus on your commitment. When the time is right, you will be given opportunities to encourage your teammates and hold each other accountable.

It is important to remember the five characteristics of a good team player when evaluating your efforts:

  • Give 100 percent. Even when giving up sounds better than sticking it out, a true player gives his all for the success of the team. If you decide to slack, your team will suffer.
  • Show courage on and off the field. Your influence does not end when you aren’t in uniform. The attitudes and actions you exhibit in your day-to-day life will impact your role on the field.
  • Make no mental mistakes. Mental training and dedication is just as important as the physical aspect. Your focus and dedication matters for the success of your team.
  • Care about your team above all else. When you make a commitment to your team, you are promising to invest in this relationship and be the best team member you can.
  • Demonstrate loyalty to all. When you exemplify consistency to your teammates, they will trust you. There is nothing more important than trust.
  • As you encounter challenges and difficulties, it will be easy to lose sight of your team commitment. When those instances arise, remember whom you are working for. Success is temporary, but teammates are forever.

Here are five ways to honor your teammates:

  1. Be academically responsible for your teammates. If you do not prioritize school, your grades will suffer, and so will your position on your team. When you choose to put in the academic legwork, you are choosing to be a successful team unit.
  2. Have a great work ethic for your teammates. Your slack will cause your team to stumble. When you hold up your end of the bargain, you will encourage and help your teammates.
  3. Have a positive attitude for your teammates. When you build others up and resist a complaining attitude, others will want to follow in your footsteps. A positive atmosphere creates success; a negative atmosphere tears it down.
  4. Be unselfish for your teammates. Remember that the team is greater than you. When you are tempted to focus on your own desires, get out of your head and back into your team.
  5. Be committed to all that we for your teammates. When everyone is working together, progress is made. It is important that everyone on your team is committed to every aspect of your program.
  6. Begin to foster a team mindset in others by modeling a willingness to serve the big picture rather than yourself. Winning teams have players who put the good of the team ahead of their own successes.

Above all, trust is the ultimate factor. A team will be successful when everyone is confident in one another. No matter if you win or lose, your team will be strong through an unbreakable team bond.