Finding a Place on a Team

by Steven Jones

Journal Prompt

“Sunday’s activities introduced themes of teamwork - how to identify leadership, distribute roles, enact perseverance and flexibility, and employ encouragement in order to “win” no matter the circumstance. What did you learn about yourself from those exercises? Can you identify some roles that you are gifted in, when working on a team?”

My Thoughts

What I learned is that I desire to help and direct, but then lose confidence when I’m not able to in the ways I wanted to. I wanted to lead, but this situation didn’t call for me to lead, but rather listen and ask for instruction and guidance. I know nothing technical about volleyball. I don’t even play the sport, so me arguing to lead was going to hurt more than benefit the team. So in that situation, I found myself better in identifying the less talented or less aware players and making up for their weaknesses. In a sense, to carry the burdens of my teammates and not trying to be the best, but doing the best I can. I would say the gifting I recognized was being more observant or aware of the events unfolding on the field.