From the Field to the Office: Teamwork and the Cancer of Gossip
- Shantel Kasper
- Oct 26
- 3 min read
As a parent, I’m always thinking about the future. What lessons are my kids learning now that will serve them well when they're adults, navigating careers, relationships, and the world at large? Youth sports, for all its ups and downs, is a powerful training ground for life.
One chapter in particular from Mike’s book, "What’s Your Coach See in Emma?", resonated deeply with me. It shines a spotlight on an insidious issue we often see on the sidelines: parents (and subsequently, their kids) speaking poorly about other players on the team.
The Team Destroyer
The paragraph that hit home for me read:
"Unfortunately, the more our kids keep hearing about how bad this player is or how slow that player is, the more likely they are to start judging their teammates and their abilities. Pretty soon Tiona won't pass to Isabel, Isabel doesn't think Olivia is any good, and Olivia thinks Tiona is a ball hog. This is the beginning of the end for the team, as well as any chance our kids have of being good teammates."
Reading that, I didn’t just see a soccer field; I saw my adult life. I saw countless office break rooms, water coolers, and cubicles. The parallels between the youth sports field and the professional workplace are striking, especially when it comes to the corrosive power of gossip and negativity.
What Happens on the Field, Doesn't Stay on the Field
Think about it:
On the field: When kids constantly hear negative comments about a teammate, it erodes trust. Passes are withheld, encouragement is scarce, and the team’s performance suffers. Individual achievements become prioritized over collective success.
In the office: When colleagues engage in "office gossip" or speak poorly about co-workers, it creates a toxic environment. Trust breaks down, collaboration falters, and projects become harder to complete. Productivity drops, and morale plummets.
In both scenarios, the outcome is the same: teamwork is destroyed. The "cancer of gossip" infects the entire group, hindering progress and fostering resentment. Just as Tiona, Isabel, and Olivia struggle to play as a cohesive unit, so too do adults in a negative work environment.
Preparing Our Kids for Tomorrow's Team
This isn't just about winning a game; it's about preparing our children for the challenges of adulthood. Our kids are going to encounter difficult personalities and challenging situations in every aspect of their future lives, especially in the workplace.
The lessons they learn now about being a good teammate, even when someone isn't performing at their best, are invaluable. When we model respectful behavior, encourage empathy, and teach them to focus on solutions rather than criticisms, we equip them with crucial skills for their future careers. We teach them that every "Emma" on the team, or "Isabel" in the office, brings something unique to the table, and true success comes from lifting each other up, not tearing each other down.
So, the next time you're on the sidelines, or even just discussing a game at home, remember that the words we speak and the attitudes we foster are building blocks for our children's future. Let's ensure those blocks are made of teamwork, respect, and positivity, setting them up for success both on the field and in the office.
The lessons in teamwork and character go far beyond the sports field. If this post about coaching your child through the challenges of negative behavior and gossip resonated with you, you'll want to read the full context and practical advice.
The chapter, "What's Your Coach See in Emma?", and many more essential topics are covered in the book that started this conversation.
Ready to help your child navigate the complex world of youth sports and prepare for future success?
➡️ Get the book now and discover more insights on how to be a great sports parent!
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