If this week has taught me anything, it is the importance of the unity within a team. It is the partnership and togetherness that ensures success. As easy as it is to think for yourself and be content with that, it hinders progress, growth, and maturity. Unfortunately is it automatic for us humans to think from our own perspectives because that is the perspective that we know and understand best. Since the concept of unity isn’t something that is necessarily second nature for us, in order for a group to be unified, the people must be committed.
How do you begin to understand another’s point of view? You ask questions, respectfully, of course. But you ask questions so that you can understand. When I don’t understand something in class, I ask the professor why something is or how something comes about. I think that a professor, tutor, or fellow student who understands always can help me better than a textbook because they are able to explain how they think. If I can think about the material in the way that they do, and they understand it, then maybe them sharing their perspective will help me understand it. The same goes when you are on a team or working in a group. Sharing perspectives and experiences give insight that is different from yours – not right or wrong – but different.
Being comfortable with others’ different perspectives 1. allows you to learn and 2. introduces you to something new that you may not have thought of before.
I charge myself and everyone working in DCBRP to engulf in Michigans Football team’s famous “the team, the team, the team.” Hopefully this mindset will allow you to be better team members in all aspects of your life, as it encourages you to have consideration for others’ perspectives. Not only will it make you a better team member, but the goal is that those around you will get onboard.
