Previously, I have shared my love for the Tour de France. Primarily because, in my opinion, the race encapsulates the true meaning of teamwork. Each member of the team works, often to their own personal detriment, for the sole benefit of the team’s goal. And in the Tour de France, the team’s goal is typically for only one member to actually win. For a professional athlete driven to succeed, it is the ultimate sacrifice. And even though I do not expect this same level of sacrifice from each team member I find myself a part of, I will always be a proponent of the simple, yet highly effective concept of … teamwork.
For any athletic competition, work project or task, each member of a team brings a set of unique skills and strengths. It is up to the coach or leader of the team to discover them. Further, in order for the team to be most effective, the leader must create the process that draws out each member’s skill in a way that is complementary to the next.
This is no easy task and, most likely, why successful coaches get paid the BIG bucks. Simply stated, it is because they are good at this. But, as good as a leader or coach can be, no team will be successful without good team members. People who understand and embrace the concept of teamwork. After all, a team player works hard not for their own benefit as an individual, but rather for the benefit of… the team.  
Previously, I have also shared that I wanted to open a bookstore in downtown Putnam. Opening a new business is never an easy task and for anyone who has done it, most would argue that it is a task best accomplished with a team. Given this, I assembled one and hoped all would work out. I didn’t realize how lucky I was going to be.
Of course, I had the vision and the concept, but soon enough, I began to realize that my role in executing the vision and concept became one of support. And it didn’t bother me one bit. Moreso, my role filled me with pride. Pride for having chosen such effective team members. Pride for having articulated such a well-received concept. And, finally, pride for having been an integral part of a team that created something special. By the time you read this, Wolperdinger Bookends will be open. I might have had a dream and a vision, but I also had the foresight to know that I couldn’t do it alone. And more importantly, that I shouldn’t do it alone. The bookstore is a much better place because of good old-fashioned…teamwork. So, regardless of whether my role was as a leader or supporter, to my team members, I offer my sincere thanks. I could not have done it without you.
We. We.
Kathy Naumann, possessor of NATURALLY curly hair and the understanding that you can’t control everything!

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