What is Teamwork?

What is Teamwork?

Here at True Balance Karate in Downers Grove, Illinois, we have a social-emotional learning program called True Character.

I’m Master H, the owner and chief instructor here at the studio. I have two master’s degrees in education, and we’ve developed this curriculum to meet the needs of our youngest students who are three or four and our oldest student who is 86.

This month, we are talking about teamwork.

I work with others positively to reach our goals. Our goals, right?

So when we’re talking about teamwork, we’re talking about what the whole group is trying to accomplish. Sometimes, it’s helpful for younger kids to understand what teamwork isn’t, so that they can see what teamwork is.

What teamwork isn’t:

• Going it alone, trying to do it all yourself.
• Being inconsiderate and unkind.
• Being disrespectful.
• Saying no when somebody asks you for help.

What teamwork is:

• Helping when asked.
• Offering assistance when you see someone struggling.
• Being respectful, kind, and aware.

All of these attributes help people become strong team members.

Types of Teams

One important thing to recognize is that there are many different types of teams. A common example that all kids understand is that their family is a team. Families work together to get ready for a party, clean the house, or set the table for dinner. If one person doesn’t do their part, the others have to pick up the slack until that person contributes again. Being kind to each other is an essential part of family teamwork.

Sports teams are another familiar example. Whether it’s football, baseball, basketball, or another sport, all players work together toward a common goal. Each member has a specific role to play, whether on offense or defense.

At school, your classroom is a team. You work together to understand lessons, help each other, and contribute to the learning environment.

For adults, the workplace functions as a team as well. Colleagues work together toward the same end goal, whether on a project or another task.

Working Together

When we talk about teamwork, we mean being positive with our fellow team members and working toward shared goals. Positive conversations are key—discussing what needs to be achieved and respecting each other’s space and time. Teamwork also means managing tasks efficiently rather than waiting until the last minute and rushing.

A good team member actively listens, not just shares. Listening and processing information are just as important as contributing ideas.

So, as we focus on teamwork this month, we’ll explore our strengths and weaknesses, our successes and failures as a team, and how these factors shape our collective progress.

Thanks, and I’ll see you on the mat!

True Balance Karate was founded in 2012 by Master Sue and Paul Helsdon.

We offer kids karate lessons for pre-school children ages 3-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up. These lessons are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need — specialized for their age group — for school excellence and later success in life.

Our adult martial arts training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 630-663-2000. You can also contact us here. True Balance Karate is at 406 Ogden Ave Downers Grove Illinois, 60515 (next to CVS) Check out our Facebook!