Team Effort: Not caring who gets the credit

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A PURPOSEFUL PAUSE

If you've ever played a team sport, or even if you have not, you have probably heard the saying, "There is no 'I' in team." This theme is used by many coaches and leaders to emphasize the importance of teamwork, sacrifice, and selflessness.

"It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."

- Harry Truman

Some of the most important work in schools happens quietly, behind the scenes, and without recognition. And often, that work only succeeds because people are willing to focus on outcomes rather than credit.

This month’s One Shared Breath centers on the idea of team effort—and what it means to truly not care who gets the credit.

School social work is inherently collaborative. Our effectiveness depends on relationships with educators, families, administrators, and community partners. When those partnerships are strong, students benefit—even if the role of the school social worker isn’t always visible.

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is a success.” - Henry Ford

Choosing collaboration over recognition doesn’t mean our profession lacks value. In fact, it highlights one of our greatest strengths: the ability to center student needs above ego, titles, or individual acknowledgment.

At the same time, collective work doesn’t mean disappearing. It means understanding when to step forward, when to support others, and when success itself is the measure that matters most.

This month, I invite you to reflect on the teams you’re part of and the shared wins you’ve helped create. Progress belongs to all of us—and it’s worth celebrating, no matter who gets the spotlight.

ABOUT THIS SERIES

A Purposeful Pause is a monthly message from the Executive Director, created to offer a moment of pause, reflection, and intentional forward movement for the school social work field.

Each month, we focus on one idea that reflects both the realities and the possibilities of our profession. These messages are intentionally shared across formats to meet members where they are and reinforce a timely, consistent, values-driven narrative.

A Purposeful Pause is grounded in the belief that progress does not happen through urgency alone, but through shared purpose, collective effort, and steady leadership. Together, we take a pause to reflect—and then we move our profession forward.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca K. Oliver is the Executive Director of the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA). Mrs. Oliver became the association's Executive Director in 2015 after a 20+ year career as a School Social Worker in Texas. Mrs. Oliver achieved a post-graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership and SSWAA has experienced significant growth under her leadership. When asked, Rebecca shares that she is committed to servant leadership and believes in building a strong staff and working collaboratively with the Board of Directors. When asked about her best accomplishment over the past 11 years, Rebecca said, "This work is my passion! While the road has not always been easy, I have met wonderful colleagues and have seen impactful growth in the association. However, I am most proud of the SSWAA team that has been built and their dedication to this association and the membership."

This content was enhanced with the support of AI.