The Power of Team Cohesion: Showing Up Beyond Yourself

I have been on a team my whole life. I have found being a part of a team has instilled purpose in me and drive when I didn’t always have it for myself. Being a part of a team makes you want to show up for people other than yourself. I heard coaches say “do it for the person next to you” and that is so powerful. Teams create a space for all different types of people to come together and compete for a shared goal and find likeminded people that maybe you wouldn't have crossed paths with if this team didn’t exist.

The Magic of Teams

I have met some of my greatest friends on teams I’ve been on and that is so incredibly special. We have come from different walks of life and these people become family. You are bonded by the effort I took to get there and the sacrifices made to grow all together. You show up for each other when it all seems far too hard and my favorite part, you all never stop learning together.

Teams Exist Everywhere

Sports might be the first thing that comes to mind when we think “team,” but teams are everywhere.

A team is simply “a number of persons associated together in work or activity.” Whether it’s in the workplace, at home, or in your community, the lessons from being on a team translate everywhere like, showing up for others, communicating, growing, asking for feedback, and striving to be better every day.

Lacking Cohesion

But what happens when only some members of the team want to grow? When only some show up for everyone instead of just themselves?

That’s where cohesion comes in.

“Team cohesion refers to the degree to which team members are connected and motivated to achieve common goals” (Abadi, P., 2023).

The challenge? Getting everyone to want the same thing. That’s where leadership becomes everything.

Leadership and Cohesion

If you are a leader searching to foster cohesion on your team, whatever that team looks like, here is what I would do:

1. Start with yourself

   • Take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are showing up the way you would want your leader to be. Are you following your rules, living by your teams values and showing up for your team members?

2. Believe in your people

   • Be honest and open about the trust and belief you have for your team members. If you are the leader of a team of people you dont believe in, why should they show up for you? Why should they believe in the person next to them? Why should they believe in themselves?

3. Choose effort over ego

   • Pick the people that want to learn and grow while exhibiting passion and desire to be better over the person that thinks they are the gift to this team rather than the team being the gift. Skills are learned, effort is chosen.

Finding New Kinds of Teams

I wondered if I’d ever feel that sense of team again once soccer wasn’t the forefront of my life. The shared energy, accountability, and purpose that fueled me for so long. Then I found myself working with the Run for Her Marathons team with Strong Girls United.

Our Run for Her marathon team brings together runners from all over. People from different cities, ages, and backgrounds all united by a shared mission: to empower girls and women through movement, mentorship, and mental health.

I am trying to make this a team that runs for something bigger than themselves.

If you’ve ever missed the feeling of belonging to something, of chasing a goal together, of showing up for each other, you’ll find it here. :)

Now, Action!

None of this is groundbreaking and that’s exactly the point. It’s the simple things we often forget to check in on. The small actions that build trust, connection, and commitment.

As a leader either in sports, work, or life, your job is to never stop learning. To never stop showing up. To never stop building your team. To never stop being the person you want your teammates, employees or runners to be.

And if you’re looking for your next one, join Run for Her, and find your people.

Start right now. RUN FOR HER MARATHONS APPLICATION