Some believe the holiday was named after a martyred priest named Valentine, who in the third century defied a Roman decree outlawing marriage. Emperor Claudius II thought single men made better soldiers than married men with families, so he declared the sacrament of marriage illegal throughout the empire. When the Emperor discovered that Valentine had continued to conduct marriage ceremonies in secret, he had the priest beheaded.
Others believe Valentine was a wrongfully accused prisoner who fell in love with his jailor’s daughter. Legend has it that the prisoner wrote the girl a final letter before he died that closed with the words “from your Valentine.”
While we may never know the holiday’s true origins, we do know that at some point Valentine’s Day became the occasion to celebrate love—romantic or otherwise.
If you’ve got a teammate who you love being around or who loves being around the team, use Valentine’s Day as occasion to convey your appreciation to that individual.
Buy them flowers, send them a card, or maybe gift them some candy. If you choose to go the candy route, consider sweethearts—those tiny, chalky, heart-shaped, rock hard wafers. They aren’t particularly tasty, but the messages stamped on them are endearing, if not comical.
Spangler Candy, sweethearts’ manufacturer, announced that this year they were adding 21 extra messages to the wafers. In addition to the usual BE MINE and HUG ME offerings, each box of sweethearts will include new messages inspired by popular love songs.
Since both Valentine’s Day and being a good teammate are rooted in love, here’s a lighthearted take on how the 21 song titles Spangler chose (and a few of those songs’ lyrics) apply to the art of being a good teammate:
IGOTU BABE (Sonny and Cher)
Good teammates got your back. When you’re struggling, you can always depend on them. When you’re sad, they’re a clown. And if you get scared, they’re always around.
SUGAR SUGAR (The Archies)
Being on a team with good teammates makes your life oh so sweet! Doesn’t take much to be left with wanting more—of their kindness, compassion, energy, etc.
CRAZY NLUV (Beyonce and Jay-Z)
How can you not be crazy in love with how good teammates make you feel? They empower you with confidence and make you feel safe to express yourself. Yessir, they’re cut from a different cloth.
PER FECT (Ed Sheeran)
You’ll see your future in their eyes. Good teammates are the perfect addition to any team, so perfect that you too are often left feeling like you don’t deserve them.
SUMMR LOVIN (Grease Soundtrack)
Sometimes we don’t realize how much we appreciate our good teammates until they’re gone. Don’t take their presence for granted, tell them how much you appreciate them before your relationship is ripped at the seams.
LOVE SHAK (The B-52’s)
Love rules on teams with good teammates. When you love your team, you embrace your role. Everybody’s movin’, everybody’s groovin’ on teams that put WE ahead of me.
STILL THE 1 (Shania Twain)
Ain’t nothin’ better than beating the odds together. Good teammates are loyal. They will stick by your side through the best and worst of times. Good teammates make people who say I’ll bet they’ll never make it eat their words.
ADORE YOU (Harry Styles)
Good teammates will walk through fire for you. They will go out of their way to help any team member in need. They refuse to allow inconvenience to determine the depth of their commitment.
LUVME TENDR (Elvis Presley)
Good teammates choose their words wisely. They have a gift for being tender when delivering bad news and tactful when confronting team problems. They make your life complete.
AT LAST (Etta James)
Anyone who’s ever been on team embroiled with selfishness knows how joyous it can be to at last join a team comprised of good teammates. The experience leaves you feeling like your lonely days are over and your life is a song.
1000 YEARS (Christina Perri)
Good teammates show you how to be brave. Their example gives you the confidence to love the journey without being afraid to fall. They make all your doubts suddenly go away.
ALLMY LIFE (K-Ci & JoJo)
You too will praise the Lord above for sending you a good teammate. They have the ability to fill the void in your life and become the reason you turned your life around.
MY GIRL (BOY) (The Temptations)
Good teammates make you feel like you’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day. Their positive attitudes influence your mood in a good way. They give you so much honey (praise, support, encouragement, etc.) that the bees envy you.
BABY LOVE (The Supremes)
Good teammates will never treat you bad or leave you sad. Their unwavering support and encouragement are like a warm embrace. They make you feel valued.
ONLY YOU (The Platters)
Good teammates make you feel special. They’re attentive when you speak and genuinely happy for your success. They make your world seem right, and the darkness bright.
HAPPY 2GTHR (The Turtles)
Good teammates think about their team day and night. Their undying loyalty fosters a culture of commitment and facilitates others’ happiness. You and them are indeed so happy together.
I’LLBE THERE (The Jackson 5)
Just call their name and they’ll be there. Good teammates will drop whatever they’re doing to come to the aid of a fellow team member. They don’t object to being inconvenienced for the good of the team.
I’M YOURS (Jason Mraz)
Good teammates humble themselves to serve the teams’ needs. Their hearts and souls belong to their teams. And if you look into their heart, and you’ll find love, love, love, love.
ALL OF ME (John Legend)
No need to question the depth of a good teammate’s commitment. They are ALL IN and will give their all to you. They put every ounce of their blood, sweat, and tears into pursuing team success.
LEAN ON ME (Bill Withers)
When you’re not strong or when you need a hand, you can always lean on good teammates. They will support you during your most challenging times and help you carry on.
10000 HOURS (Dan & Shay and Justin Bieber)
Good teammates are invested in their teams. They wouldn’t hesitate to spend ten thousand hours, and ten thousand more, if that’s what it takes to learn how to better serve the needs of their team.
If nothing else, the above list provides you with the makings of a good Valentine’s Day playlist. From our team to yours, happy Valentine’s Day.
As always…Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate.
