What do we learn from competing? Coming off the recent Olympics and heading into the busy fall sports season – there are lessons to learn from being part of a team and competing. This is true for both a group of 5-year-olds playing soccer or your work team submitting a big proposal.
Youth learn from competing in sports:
- creativity
- confidence
- time management
- goal setting
- leadership
- social skills
- hard work (and much more).
Children also report lower rates of stress, anxiety, and enjoyment in physical activity. Children can also be influenced by adults who pressure them with a win or nothing attitude. Studies have shown that these children give up or quit the sport or other activity due to anxiety and pressure. In one study of youth athletes, children sited “fun” as their primary reason for participating in in sports and lack of that same “fun” as the main reason they quit.
To have a more successful team look for a group of diverse individuals, make everyone take turns, and be sure to include specialist. A recent example is the U.S. Men’s Gymnastics Olympic team who brought in event specialist Stephen Nedoroscik which resulted in a team medal at the Summer Olympics. Research also supports that some teams with lots of really talented people end up being less successful. This might be because everyone wants to be the top talent or because of conflicts between team members.
I have had a number of successful work teams over the years – typically when I worked with people I enjoyed spending time with, who had a variety of talents, and we worked towards a goal that we could all get behind. Often these teams have included diverse individuals (some younger and some more seasoned staff) or those with a variety of prior work experiences. One of the best lessons I have learned from these teams is to celebrate the successes and then figure out what awesome project we are working on next.
I hope you find success in your own work or play teams.
Writer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University, Ross County.
Reviewer: Ken Stewart, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Monroe County.
Sources:
“What Science Can Tell Us About Building Great Teams”. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/building-leading-great-teams-research#talent.
“Benefits of Youth Sports”. President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Science Board, https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2020-09/YSS_Report_OnePager_2020-08-31_web.pdf.