Sport is a wonderful analogy for life.
In every team there's a player (or more than one) who has been around a while.
They've been the young one keen to impress and talk about new ideas. They've been the one struggling, for any number of reasons, to stay in the team. They've been the captain, vice captain or shot-caller before. They've been the shouter, the snapper, the organiser or the encourager. They have learned from it and have either had the role pass them by or have handed it off to another player.
They've been the coaches confidant, and they've also been on the outside of the circle of trust.
They're not the fastest or the best or most creative player anymore, but they know how the politics of the game work and how it affects individual team members. They keep a benign eye on the team, having a quiet word to encourage or offer advice if required. Never officially, usually timely and hardly noticed by anyone not involved.
The trick is to realise you've become that team mate (no one actually tells you) and embrace your role.
For every one of those gaining kudos, there are others working just as hard, without the public recognition. Sometimes even without the recognition of those with their name in lights. That's just the way that it is. Being part a team is an unselfish exercise. It's amazing how much can be achieved when no one cares who gets the credit.
Without the props slugging away, wingers can't score tries.
It's the same in every work crew, corporate hub, staff room and changing room. Whatever your role. Remember we're all on the same team and we don't win unless we have each other's backs.
Sport is a wonderful analogy for life.
