A Willingness to Share

I heard an uplifting story this spring. The setting was a major league baseball training facility. A young prospect was in big league camp vying for a roster spot. This player is talented and thought to be the centerfielder of the future. The team had a veteran in that position who was expected to be the starter when camp broke. Those closest to the situation believed it was a matter of time before he would be replaced by the young kid. 
 
One day the young player showed up in a brand new, expensive suit. A late round draft pick, he was not a player who made big money. Someone noticed his fresh look and said, “You haven’t made the club yet. Isn’t it a little soon to be buying expensive suits?”  The young man responded, “Billy bought it for me.” 
 
Billy was the veteran he was competing with.   
 
You’re not going to start by pulling a fast one
One of the toughest things for many athletes is their obsession with playing time. It’s tough to be a junior or senior and embrace a first-year athlete. Players with an average mindset see them as a threat. They’ll withhold information and try to make the new players transition difficult. 
 
Great teammates are not this way. Confident in their ability and preparation, they are quick to lend support and share knowledge. Young, talented players are vital to a program’s success; veterans know this. They will do everything they can to help the new members feel welcomed. 
 
If the culture has been properly developed, it is clear that withholding information is not the path to more minutes. Keeping trade secrets will not improve their situation- the other members see right through it. 
 
A starting role won’t be earned by pulling a fast one.
 
Job Security
Unfortunately, this type of behavior is present in the “real world.” Many years ago I was partnered with a veteran employee. In the business for years, he accumulated a wealth of knowledge; however, he rarely shared information. In fact, when I would ask him questions he would say, “I’m not telling you. This knowledge is job security.”
 
As I listen in to friends in education, business and other sectors it’s amazing how prevalent this behavior is. In athletics, it’s the belief that making it difficult for the younger player will help their status. In business, the thought is the new employee is trying to steal their job- not sharing trade secrets will increase their value.
 
 
Covering your Homework
Remember in high school when you couldn’t figure out a homework problem and you needed help? There was always the one person who had their head, arms and whole body trying to cover their precious work. No way would they let you see the answer. They knew how to do it and you didn’t.  If they shared their work it wouldn’t make them seem as smart.
 
On the other hand, there was the wicked smart person who was willing to share and help in any way possible. Confident in their self-worth, they liked seeing you succeed. There was an aura about them- your success didn’t diminish their value.  In fact, it only enhanced their reputation as being smart, kind and a great classmate. 
 
The person who shares is likely on to the next skill or competency. By the time others figure out how to master the shared information, the true expert is off to a new endeavor.
 
Conclusion:
Don’t be someone who covers their homework. Better yet, work to create a culture where sharing homework is required.
 
High performance environments demand the free flowing sharing of knowledge. It’s possible to “pull a fast one” for a little while hoarding information, but overtime this behavior gets exposed. 
 
I want to be a part of teams where no one cares who gets the credit. The team is curious and collaborative. Everyone is striving together.
 
Can you buy a junior team member on your team a new suit this week?