I was watching my daughter and her friend this morning play on the XBox, and realized I was watching them learn how to work as a team towards a common goal.  They were constantly communicating with each other telling the other person what they needed from them in order to do their part in the game.

 

I watched all the dynamics of team work at play.  They would get mad at each other when one strayed to do her own thing.  They would get mad at each other when one wouldn't communicate to the other what they were trying to do.  They learned what their partner needed from them in terms of communication, and started to provide it.  They shared joy when they solved a difficult problem, or when they finished a level.  The two person team had a leader, but the leader couldn't over step her natural authority because the other team mate wouldn't work with her if she was too bossy.

 

I was amazed that at age 9 the girls were able to quickly solve any teamwork issues and re-focus on their goal of progressing further in the game.  Maybe I read too much into things like this, but I really believe that what I witnessed today will provide my daughter and her friend with skills that will allow them to work with others throughout life.

 

Brian Russell