“People want to be part of something larger than themselves. They want to be part of something they’re really proud of, that they’ll fight for, that they trust.” – Howard Schultz
There is a basic need in each and every human being to be a part of something bigger than our self. We need to have a sense of being needed and belonging. This need is seen in many ways from kid’s joining groups from Scouts to gangs, from church groups to theatre groups. As we get older people go into the military or join political groups. We are parts of schools, sports teams, businesses and clubs. Whether the thing we belong to is good or bad, it is the fact that we need to belong to something that tells us much about the human condition.
GOOD CHOICES
As with anything in life, what we do all boils down to choices. We make good or bad choices, but we make the choice. Since I am talking to Success-Minded People I will assume that you have made a good choice and belong to a healthy and productive group. Success-Minded People want to know that they are adding to something. They work hard to bring value to the organization they are a part of. For Success-Minded People, being part of the team is a positive and healthy thing.
Success-Minded People must understand however that although they are part of the team, what they bring to the team is unique unto them. They have a skill or talent that is needed and they are the only one who can fulfill their part. This does not take them out of the team concept, but it does help them see that they – as an individual – have a role to plan and not just to be one of many.
SUCCESS TAKES MORE THAN ONE
Author John Maxwell said, “One is too small a number to succeed.” That is so true. We need each other to do something big in life. You can be the best at something, but you will not be the best at all things. That however is the whole point. Be the best at what you have been called to do and allow others to be the best at what they have been called to do. Too often people try to do it all. Even in a team they fight for control and micromanage everything done. You will never find success that way. You can do so much more if you allow others and yourself the freedom to be all they and you can be.
USE YOUR GIFTS
Catherine Booth, wife of William Booth who founded the Salvation Army said, “What the Lord wants is that you go about the business to which He sets you, not asking for an easy post, not grumbling at a hard one.” If you know what you are to do, what you are good at doing, and then focus on doing that. Never feel threatened by the talents of others. Understand that they are gifted in order to work with your gifts so that something far bigger than the both of you can be accomplished.
Alone we can do something good to improve the world we live in. Together we can do something great, something big that will change everything for the better.
© 2011 John Patrick Hickey
