The Communicator - June 2005
3
Edward Bain, General Manager
Balanced Yoga
3526 N. High St.
Columbus, Oh 43214
(614) 265-9642 - balancedyoga.net
Classes available for all experience
levels! Class information and sched-
ules are available on our website
If I were to describe to you what I've been through in the last month, you just would not want to
hear about it. So contrary to all of the negative experience I have run across during May, I would
like to share some thoughts on what it means to be a good team.
To me, being a good team starts with being a good team member - seeking out how you can help
your fellow team-mates reach the team's goals. How can I help? What can I do to make our team
better? What can I do to improve my performance? How can I mentor my team-mates to improve,
to become better at what they do best, to contribute in a positive and constructive manner that
enhances their sense of self worth and mobilizes the best talent they have the potential to
achieve? Being a good team member means playing the game in earnest with focus and attention,
no let-up, 110% all the time. We did not come to the field to finish last, we came to be the best we
can be - play in unison, work in unison, move in unison, be of one mind together. The team is one, the team plays by the rules, honesty
equals integrity, integrity builds character, character is the foundation of discipline, discipline mobilizes effort, effort creates opportunity,
and opportunity is the road to success.
I am fortunate to say I've been a part of a winning team when I was younger and played sports, and now as part of the Clintonville
Community Market. The team is about everyone doing their job to create a unified momentum. For that to happen each team-mate must
have trust that their fellow player is working to that end, doing the best they can to execute their play or position. And that team member
must, to the best of their ability, perform with precision their job. A good team develops an infectious desire to perform well because the
players are recognized, rewarded, and encouraged for their good performances and good work. It is in that honesty that the value of one's
self worth begins to bloom and grow into a desire to achieve for the sake of the team. It is in that honest recognition or reflection of true
self expression that the individual's talent and the framework of pure team energies begin to emerge - team energies that create victory and
success.
We have a good team at the market. We are definitely not the strongest, fastest, best equipped, or best looking players on the field. The
one thing we have is heart. Our members, our Board, our management, and our staff have created a successful year for our team, each
consecutive year of our business operation. Our greatest obstacle is our lack of belief in ourselves and our ability to respect the rules and
roles of our game, our by-laws structure, and just to play fairly with each other. These inadequacies give us the incentive and demand to
work at a champion's level and yet only experience a very partial return for energy spent and effort extended. Does straining at a gnat and
swallowing a camel ring true in your ears?
Our greatest victories will come when we become more intelligent and effective in focusing on our individual jobs and the role we play on
our team. Our greatest experience which no one can describe fully in words is the deep bond and self empowerment that comes from
respectful appreciation of each team member and the earnest expression of mission toward the goal by educated team-mates who know
their roles and fulfill them with enthusiasm for the sake of our team.
This is what we can touch with a little more sincere appreciation for each other and a deeper focus and understanding of our roles on the
team.
Don't Give Up, Don't Give In, Get Up and Go! Thanks to all of you who supported me in the difficult choices that were made to make our
market great this month!
Edward Bain, General Manager