TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to Volunteer University

Ever notice how easy it is to forget you’re on the same team…especially when stress is high, and patience is low?

I once saw a husband and wife in an airport. They were traveling with 4 kids, all under the age of five. 

They were surrounded by luggage and strollers. One baby was strapped to the mom in a sling. The dad held another on his hip while the two older kids zoomed in circles around them, fueled by goldfish snacks that flew out of their hands and were now being crushed into a permanent part of the blue airport carpet.

In the middle of it all, the husband and wife locked eyes.

He reached out, lifted his fist, and tapped it gently against hers.
“SAME TEAM,” he said.

She nodded, bumped his fist back, and whispered. “Same team.” 

Let’s talk about Breaking Down Silos for the Mission

Lesson: Volunteering isn’t a solo sport. Even if you serve remotely…even if you’re in a different department…you are part of something bigger.

We’re not competing for resources, time, or the attention of leadership.

We’re not “us versus them.”

We are all here for the same reason: to make the mission happen.

When things get hectic and emotions rise, it’s easy to turn inward. It’s easy to get frustrated with teammates, departments, or processes. But that’s the moment we have to pause and remind ourselves: SAME TEAM. 

We all have the same goal and same mission.

Two Ways to Keep Teamwork Stronger Than Competition

Tip #1: Remember the Goal

When tension shows up, ask yourself: “What are we actually trying to accomplish?”

We tend to get defensive when our personal plans or departmental priorities feel threatened. But the mission doesn’t belong to one role or one team. It belongs to everyone.

When you zoom out and refocus on the organization’s ultimate goal, a lot of frustration loses its grip. Suddenly, it’s not about protecting turf. It’s about advancing the mission.

Tip #2: Adjust Your Perspective

Let’s be honest. Our default setting is our own point of view. That’s human.

But what if, before reacting, you paused for just two seconds and asked:  “Why might they be doing this?”

Yes, some people are a little…um, complicated. But most people are simply trying to do their best with the information and pressure they have.

When you assume positive intent, you open the door to calm, honest conversations. And that’s where collaboration replaces conflict.

Action/Takeaway:

Let’s do a quick review. Do a quick self-check:

• Am I keeping the main thing the main thing, or just protecting my own lane?
  
• Am I curious about other perspectives, or stuck in departmental tunnel vision?
  

Close: Your organization is doing important work. And it takes everyone working together to make it happen.

So the next time stress rises or frustration creeps in, remember: SAME TEAM. By the way, I’m giving you a virtual fist bump right now 👊 Let’s go do this together.