A lot of people think that when you’re part of a team you need to self-sacrifice and do whatever’s best for the overall cause, leaving your own personal needs on the back burner.

False: In fact, a successful team situation occurs when every member tends to their own specific needs first.

This may sound selfish, but when each individual exudes self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth, a team working together falls quickly into stride, and transfers into a perfectly synchronized group dynamic.

When you feel good about yourself, you automatically have the ability to make others feel good as well.

But if you are dealing with inner conflicts and insecurities, the core function of the team begins to erode and next thing you know, you are bringing down everyone around you! So even though it sounds counterintuitive, being honest with your feelings and putting yourself first, will translate into a more effective and functional team situation.

I always like to use the classic example that’s taught when preparing for flight take-off: “In case of an emergency, place the oxygen mask on your face first – then assist your child, or anyone else that requires help with their mask”. Meet your needs – then you can meet the needs of others.

A happy team is a strong and confident team – a group of individuals that look out for one another – that picks up and lifts up and rises up to all occasions – a team that is Beyond Common.