One Good Teammate Could Have Changed Everything

Last week, a University of Bristol student took his own life. He became the seventh student from the school, located in southern England, to commit suicide in the past 15 months.

The news is devastating the campus community and capturing the attention of the world.

It is sad. It is a tragedy. And, given the alarming number of deaths to have occurred in such a short span of time, some would even say it is an epidemic.

When individuals that young—with so much life ahead of them—end it all, we are emotionally moved. Our souls are touched and our hearts grow heavy.

Not long ago, I was speaking at an event when a man came up to me afterwards and told me how much he appreciated what I had to say about being a good teammate. With tears in his eyes, he went on to tell me that his son had recently committed suicide.

The boy was being bullied at school.

His story brought a lump to my throat, and as I searched for the appropriate response, the man said something to me that I will forever remember.

He said, “All my son needed was one good teammate. One good teammate could have changed everything.”

Those are very powerful words, and an important reminder of the impact a good teammate can have on someone else’s life.

We never know how much others are hurting, or how close they are to their breaking point. A small compliment, an extension of kindness, or even a high five can make a big difference in their life.

In fact, it could make more than just a big difference, it could make all the difference.

Today is an opportunity for you to be a good teammate to someone in need.

We are never better teammates than when we are helping hurting people. And in the grand scheme of things, it takes such little effort for us to become invested in our teammates’ lives.

As always, remember: Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate.

Lance Loya is the world’s preeminent authority on the good teammate mindset. He is a college basketball coach turned author, advocate, and professional speaker, who inspires TEAMBUSTERS to become TEAMMATES. You can follow him on Twitter, Facebook, or through his weekly Good Teammate blog.

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