Much like many of the teens and tweens these days, my grandson loves to play video games. He likes one particular game where you are on a team and the goal is to beat the team you are playing against. You are randomly placed on a team each time you play so you don’t get to pick your team members. As your team wins, you get points and work your way up to different levels. Of course, as you get more points, the games get more challenging.
Last summer, as I was listening to him play, and heard how he was treating his teammates, I realized that there might be some opportunity to coach him on leadership and teamwork.
Here are some of the topics we talked about:
- Encourage Others – When someone does something good, let them know. Everyone likes a pat on the back! (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
- Encourage Yourself – It’s perfectly fine to feel good about a round you won. Just don’t get arrogant and brag about it. (James 4:10)
- Constructive Correction – It’s fine to let people know when they did something wrong. We just need to do it in a loving manner. (Mathew. 18:15-17)
- Coaching – If someone asks you for help, give it to them. Help those who want to get better. (Hebrews 13:16)
- Cheaters – You will always encounter cheaters in every journey in life. Don’t be influenced by them and always do what is right. (Proverbs 10:9)
- Be a Great Team Member – Do your part to make the team successful. Never depend on the team to carry you. (Colossians 3:23-24)
- Accountability – If you mess up, say you messed up. Admit when you did something wrong. You will gain respect by being accountable to your actions. (James 5:16)
- Lose Like a Winner (Hebrews 10:24)
- Make sure you compliment the other team.
- Learn from your shortfalls and strive to do better in the next round.
As time has passed, I have noticed that he has started encouraging his teammates, admitting when he makes a mistake, and helping teammates who are not as experienced as he is. He is also moving up in the ranks and encouraged by his accomplishments. Although He still gets frustrated at times, I am seeing more good than bad.
As your children and grandchildren grow up in this online electronics age, I challenge you to find opportunities to teach life and leadership lessons that will follow with them wherever they go.
