Define and Expand Your Role in Your Team to Win

 ‘I landed a supporting role in the college play,’ said Rinku. ‘Woohoo.’

‘Nobody will notice you if you’re not the lead, ‘said Rahul. ‘You should quit.’

‘Rahul, she’s part of a team effort,’ said Rakesh. ‘Just like you’re part of your basketball team and want your team to win, I’m sure Rinku wants to be part of a successful play too.’

‘Of course bhaiyya,’ said Rinku.

‘And you can’t be part of successful teams by not putting your heart and soul into your role whatever it is,’ said Rakesh. ‘Are you playing your role to the best of your capability in teams that you’re part of Rahul?’

‘What teams bhaiyya?’ asked Rahul. ‘I’m only on my basketball team right now.’

‘How about your family, friends, college, society?’ asked Rakesh. ‘Where you play the role of a son, daughter, student, friend, citizen, human? If we’re not aware of our roles, we’re like actors standing on stage but not playing our part. It’s the perfect recipe for a flop show guys.’

‘But what are we supposed to do bhaiyya?’ asked Rahul. ‘No one told us what roles are. Or what’s expected from us.’

‘Roles are about expectations,’ said Rakesh. ‘For any team effort to be successful, every member must know what’s expected of them. The director of your play or the captain your team must define everyone’s roles so you can perform to expectations. Unfortunately most times our roles are not clearly defined which is why we hang about aimlessly instead of putting our heart and soul into our role.’

‘What should we do then bhaiyya?’ asked Rinku.

‘Whatever part is given to you, define your role clearly for yourself,’ said Rakesh. ‘That way you play your role to the best of your capability. Once you perform your role to the best of your ability, you can expand your role to help others and contribute to help your team succeed. Remember, every role, big and small, is equally important in the team effort. And a small role done well adds to a beautiful result.’

‘Yes bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘The sweeper in our building Ramesh, not only takes on the role of making our premises the cleanest in the neighbourhood, he also finds ways to constantly beautify the place. It’s so uplifting for all of us.’

 ‘And there’s Nisha who got dropped from our play bhaiyya,’ said Rinku. ‘Instead of cribbing, she took on the role to help us out. I’ll now define my roles in teams I’m part of bhaiyya, expand my role and contribute to a successful team effort. I now see how it helps both me and the team.’

Pro tip: Define your role clearly for yourself so you do your best in every team effort you’re part of. Then, expand your role and contribute to the success of your team.

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