by Angus MacCaull

Krista and James Tidd in Digby along with Steve Fulton in Truro share their take on teamwork below!

 

What team sport do you play these days?

KRISTA & JAMES: We bowl on a mixed league bowling team once per week from September until May. It doesn’t have to be two couples, but in our case it is: us and another couple who are good friends of ours.

STEVE: I am on many teams: AA Munro’s, our local minor football association, plus my friends and family’s teams.


What’s your position?

KRISTA: I am a team member just trying to bowl my best every time.

JAMES: My position is captain/team anchor. On each team the person with the highest average goes last against the anchor of the other team.

STEVE: At my age, the inspired one! This means passing on life skills from my extensive years of involvement.


How does that position help the team?

KRISTA: The higher I bowl the better chance we have at taking those points on each string.

JAMES: The captains are expected to bowl at their very best. As the last person you know what the team needs for pin fall on your score to either gain those points or lose them. The captain also keeps the team motivated and having fun.

STEVE: Not exactly sure that it does help, but I hope I have something to offer from my experiences!


What are some of the teamwork skills in your sport?

KRISTA & JAMES: The skills would be to get everyone on your team to encourage and cheer on the others. You applaud their good hits: strikes, spares, even a solid 10 always helps. Also, you applaud each team member when they beat their score from last game and/or get higher than their average—it’s a confidence booster and makes them want to try harder to beat it again next time.

STEVE: Sports, family, business—it is all the same. All require reliance on teammates abilities, confidence in presenting your best efforts, trusting teammates to do the same. Cooperation is imperative.


Are there any ways that you bring some of those skills to your job in insurance?

KRISTA & JAMES: Motivation goes a long way. And trying to be better than you were last week is a self-directed goal.

STEVE: Everyday. I trust my workmates.


What does it mean to “be a team player”?

KRISTA & JAMES: Everyone has a role and all contribute to the end result.

STEVE: It means that your workmates, your “team” and most importantly your family comes first. Our selfish wants and desires mean very little to anyone in the big scheme of things.