An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Is your team prepared for injuries?

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jamie Humphries
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan --  The Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans are playing great football right now.

The Bears are 7-3 and tied for second place in the NFC North Division trailing only the undefeated Green Bay Packers. They have won five straight games and are 5-1 at home.

The Houston Texans are finally living up to expectations in the AFC South. Like the Bears, they are also 7-3, have won four straight games and are in first place in their division and have excited the hometown crowd with a 4-1 mark at Reliant Stadium.

But, both teams also have something else in common that could impact the rest of their promising campaigns. Both teams recently lost their starting quarterbacks after suffering severe injuries that could jeopardize the rest of their seasons.

Losing quarterback Jay Cutler to a broken thumb was a huge blow to the Bears who look to be without the starter for an extended period of time and the Texans' Matt Schaub will be out the remainder of the year with right foot injury.

What will the two franchises do?

They will do what any organization does ... they will regroup, devise a way ahead and press ahead with their mission with full confidence the backup will get the job done.

Is your organization prepared to cope with that season-ending injury? Is your backup ready to accept their new role as a leader? Are your Airmen prepared to pick up the slack left behind by a member of your team due to unforeseen circumstances?

As Air Force Airmen, we like to feel a part of a team. We like to feel worth and value and a certain sense of accomplishment that comes with performing well especially under pressure. And, at times, we like to feel indispensable to the organization meaning your unit simply can't run effectively without you.

But, does that really help the team?

Of course it doesn't. A good team is one that is versatile and coherent, well managed and adaptable. One that is flexible and problem solves and succeeds and even thrives if a valued member is not able to answer the call. A good team has chemistry and charisma and ready to accept challenges in the face of adversity.

I challenge you to look within your organization and to honestly asses if your team is ready to accept an increased workload due to deployments, separations or unexpected leaves of absence.

Do the members have what it takes to fully function and are they fully engaged? Are they ready to be innovative and collaborate in an effort to complete your mission? Are they truly a team?

If the answer is "no," I guess it's time to look at the free agent market.