Team player

In a recent interaction, someone subtly implied that I might not be a team player. Just because I don't want to participate in someone's new group work activity doesn't mean I'm not a team player (I thought to myself). I started to think about my history of working in teams. 

In general, I prefer to work solo rather than on a team. I can remember countless examples in school and work where I was working on a team project and did an outsized share of the work. Everyone got the A, but I was the one who did most of the work. Now, I could have taken a back seat, but I was unwilling to accept a lesser grade.

In PE class, I was the beneficiary in reverse. I was usually picked close to last, and I hoped I would be on a team with some A-players who would make up for my lack of athleticism. So, I don't blame the people who rode on my coattails. In fact, I think we all benefit when other people help us elevate our game.

I will continue to balance my preference for being Han Solo with recognizing the value of being part of a team.