The workplace is full of motivational ‘teamwork’ analogies. Many come from the world of sports and famous coaches: fields, courts and pitches where team behavior is on view for all to observe.

“Individual commitment to a group effort–that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” –Vince Lombardi

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” –Phil Jackson

“To me, teamwork is the beauty of our sport, where you have five acting as one. You become selfless.” –Mike Krzyzewski

The Friday Poem this week is from performance poet, Sara Holbrook and seems particularly fitting for those of us who are NY Mets fans as the World Series came to an end late Sunday night.

The poem is for all those who have given their best effort only to become spectators to an opponent’s victory celebration.“I’m proud to say I lost with you.” 

Taking One for the Team

We practiced together,
sweat and stained.
We pummeled each other
and laughed off pain.
Teams may disagree,
may tease,
may blame.
Teams may bicker and whine,
but get down for the game.

You had my back.
We fought the fight.
And though our score
was less last night,
we’re walking tall.
Our team came through
and stuck together like Crazy Glue.
I’m proud to say
I lost with you.

Sara Holbrook   ‘Weird? (Me, Too!) Let’s Be Friends’ 2011