Ashley Brzozowicz: Teamwork

I'm happy to share this post by Champlain's Scholar/Athlete in Residence

When you watch a men's or women's eight race at the Olympic Games it appears as though it is a seamless blending of eight people into one coherent entity. It looks easy, almost simple, as the bodies move through the stroke in nearly perfect harmony. 

The reality is, however, that the easier it appears to the outsider the more difficult it is to actually master. 

As rowers, we dedicate time to making our races look relaxed because it certainly does not come naturally. Years of training and practice go into each and every stroke and even still perfection is never really achieved. When a race goes well and rowers are happy with a result, there are always things that can be improved. The excitement and the joy of racing comes more from striving for perfection than from actually achieving it.

Working together is essential in rowing but competing against one another is almost as important. We only get the opportunity to race our international competitors two or three times a year. In contrast, we get to work with (and against) our teammates each and everyday at practice. We race against each other in small boats and through those battles, we gain confidence and respect not only for our own abilities but also for those others on our squad. 

Doing well in a workout is an awesome feeling but knowing that you gave it your all and still your teammate outperformed you gives you confidence in her ability to race under pressure--together. When working as part of a team, you can use the other members of your group to help you achieve excellence as an individual. It is motivating when you have others around you also striving toward a similar goal.

The real purpose of teamwork is to create an environment in which each member of the team can be at his or her best. No matter what the situation, each person has a unique contribution to make to the group. Each person has individual strengths and creating a way for each person to maximize those skills is truly what teamwork is about. When you maximize the ability of every individual in a team to work at his or her best the outcome is far greater than if a few individuals take over and dominate the group. Every person who participates in a team can be credited equally with the success of the group since each person understood his or her role and performed it best. 

Ashley Brzozowicz