Community & Team Work

I like these pieces from Rory Noland’s book, The Heart of the Artist. They speak to the things I am interested in: creativity, teams and team work, community, and learning. These particular points are from the chapter, The Artist in Community.

Team Work
What does it mean to be a part of a team? It means you belong. You belong for two reasons:

1. Your gifts and abilities have created a niche for you on the team.
2. Your personality has created a place for you on the team.

The Things That Kill Team Work

1. Selfishness
2. Grumbling and complaining
3. A competitive spirit
4. Unresolved relational conflict

What Does it Mean To Be A Team Player?

1. A Team player is committed to the cause of the team
2. A Team player is committed to resolving relational conflict
3. A Team player encourages and supports his or her teammates
4. A Team player holds on to his or her gifts [talents] loosely
5. A Team player tries to bring a healthy self to the team
6. A Team player doesn’t care who gets the credit or the glory
7. A Team player brings all of his or her spiritual gifts to the team
8. A Team player sees his or her role as valuable, no matter how small
9. A Team player submits to authority
10. A Team player doesn’t lose his or her autonomy or artistic identity

Although the book’s written more from an artist’s perspective, the team aspects are applicable across the board. I hope you find them useful in your environment.