UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT
     
     
     On several occasions in the past, I have referred to the
     importance of "unconditional support" in a successful team
     effort.  In a recent meeting with our Post Graduate Athlete
     Committee, it was questioned whether this concept is
     appropriate or compatible with our society.  This is a
     reasonable question if you consider the fact that our country
     and its democratic principles were founded on challenging
     the system, demanding accountability and individual rights.
     
     Although this is very true, in order to fairly judge the "system",
     you first have to give it a chance through your full support
     (unless it is morally or ethically questionable).  A willingness
     to commit to a TEAM effort is also a fundamental principle
     that has been the cornerstone of almost all group
     achievements of significance in our country.  Both of these
     concepts have a place in our society.  The key to making it
     work is to determine when and how to work for change, and
     when to fully support the team effort.
     
     There is a time and a place to analyze, evaluate and
     constructively criticize, but if we are to become the "perfect"
     team, there also comes a time when we have to set aside our
     personal preferences and personal agendas for the sake of
     the group effort.  In other words, there comes a time when
     we have to pledge our unconditional support.  Whether it's
     the corporate executive, the superbowl quarterback, the
     Desert Storm pilot or the USS Olympian, this principle is
     fundamental to the ultimate team experience.
     
     We've all heard many times before that "there is more than
     one way to skin a cat".  Each of us would do things differently
     if our preference was always available to us.  The degree of
     success of a group effort is determined not so much by the
     group approach as it is by the extent to which that approach
     is supported by each member of the group.  Conditional
     support (i.e. "I'll support it on the condition that I agree with
     it") will never be as successful as unconditional support (i.e.
     "I'll support it and make it work whether it suits me or not"). 
     
     
     Our goal is to make the National Team experience an
     "experience of a lifetime" for each athlete who participates -
     the ultimate group effort where individual AND team goals are
     met.  The team aspect will add a whole new dimension to
     this experience.  When a person willingly sacrifices some
     individual privileges and preferences for the sake of the team
     effort, the experience becomes much more important and
     meaningful than it could otherwise.  The team
     accomplishments become as gratifying and rewarding as the
     personal accomplishments and the benefits will more than
     compensate for the sacrifices that are required to achieve
     them.
     
     If the National Team experience is to live up to these
     expectations, it will be necessary for all of its members to
     pledge their unconditional support.