Teaming with Intent: Think “Us,” not “Me”

By Keith Jones

Springtime brings incredible opportunity for rebirth, rejuvenation, and all things new and fresh. By evaluating behaviors and attitudes that no longer serve others, or me I welcome the approaching spring season as a chance to make a bigger difference in the world. This commitment to contributing to others is what calls me into action. It is the ultimate pledge to ensure that the team wins on a grand scale.

For many years, I felt that if I made the effort to “do good,” then that was all that mattered. I recently learned that I was “playing small” with that attitude. Several months ago, a close friend inspired me to become a bone marrow donor. She said someone would contact me on how to proceed, so I waited patiently for instructions on how to help someone in need. Weeks and weeks passed without receiving any correspondence. My friend could not believe I had not been contacted. I was not terribly disappointed because I was proud of myself for making the choice to be a donor. I was totally playing small.

A few weeks later, I met someone suffering from leukemia. She was waiting for a bone marrow transplant. It was during our conversation that I realized how stopping at the good intentions—I called it “being right”—was preventing someone from living life powerfully. Yes, I did make the effort to be a donor by expressing my interest. But when someone’s life is at stake, a person who loves others does not stop there. It was at this time I chose a different path. I committed to walking the talk so that others could win. It was important they be happy and live life fully. Within one day of making this paradigm shift, I had a conversation with the National Registry and a donor kit was mailed to me. I am now on track to becoming a bone marrow donor. I am playing big and it feels amazing.

I encourage you to make your intention your first step and take the talk-walk as well. This is the ultimate definition of team. We all have to win. Realize that not following up on good intentions rarely allows you to be happy.