There’s something so spectacular about wildflowers, especially in September. The colorful petals fill the fields in such a random way. Each one different and pretty enough on its own. But when grown side by, the collective view is stunning. It almost makes you wonder if it was planned, though by definition, we all know they are not!
A few days ago, I drove by one our local farms (Upstate, NY is full of them!) and did a double take. A sea of gorgeous blooms lined the road as if ruby, topaz, amethyst, and emerald gems had just rained down from a sapphire sky. I had to pull over and take a picture.
Later, while I scrolled through the photos, I realized that building a team is easy if you think of your kids like a field of wildflowers.
What do I mean?
Well, kids are not perfect. And teams of kids are not meant to perfect either. They’re not built to be identical, pristine roses sitting beautifully obedient in crystal vases.
The best, happiest, and most successful teams are made up of wildflowers, each individual bloom unique and colorful. Where each one contributes something different and amazing to the bouquet. There is no rhyme or reason or plan to their arrangement. They have their flaws. And that’s the beauty of it.
When you let the kids on your team or in your classroom play to their strengths, they will grow in ways that may surprise you or each other.
How?
Well, not every child will like note taking or organizing. Maybe they are a natural born leader. Not every teammate will be great at writing a script or painting. Maybe their strength lies in managing a budget. Maybe one teammate is quiet but reliable and hardworking. Maybe they are the ones that will keep the others on track. Maybe one of the teammates can’t sit still for more than 10 minutes but he or she is an idea kid—a brainstormer. Maybe even the one that fires up the rest of the team to play beyond their wildest dreams.
It takes all types of kids with all types of strengths to make up a successful team. And its their differences that will make the team better. Once you embrace that idea, the easier it will be to coach or lead your team. The sooner your kids embrace this idea, the sooner the team will really flourish.
Why?
Because the best teams understand that they may be good and successful on their own, but they can be great and outstanding when they play to each other’s strengths and embrace all the good that they each have to offer. Your job, as a strong leader, is to encourage them to do it.
One way, is to play team-building games or do spontaneous tasks with your kids. They’re fun and a super-effective way to get your team bonded. If you haven’t checked out the challenges that I recently uploaded, click around the site. All of them a worth trying.
I hope you’re having an energetic and solid start to the new school year. With so many teams forming and kicking off their seasons, the electricity is bound to be palpable. So, take that energy and run with it! Remind yourself what an honor it is to be working with kids and leading them on their journeys. Whether you’re coaching an Odyssey of the Mind, Imagination Destination, or a sports team—or teaching a classroom, library, or homeschool full of kids, I wish you lots of luck and fun.
As always, thanks for reading this team-building post and until next time, keep on building your best… and most inspired team!
