Team Avengers

CEBU, Philippines - Early on in the new action movie "The Avengers", Norse God Loki took the energy source that can open the portal through space from S.H.I.E.L.D. facility. S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury was able to form a team of heroes to take back the tesseract that will save Earth from extra terrestrial attacks. This team was called The Avengers.

The Avengers, like any team sport or group projects in school pose this question: How can you save the world with disagreeable teammates? Or how do you relate to different kinds of people and still get the job done?

When the different personalities of your teammates get in the way of your project, it helps to understand that different people have different preferences. And always remember that respect is the key.

Take Captain America, for example. He was reluctant to offer his service, thinking he's old-fashioned. Some of your teammates may be like him — too shy to share ideas because they're afraid of rejection. Make it a point that everybody should share and respect each other’s ideas. Captain America may be out of place with his stars-and-stripes spandex and a tiny hood but his discipline as a soldier and superb combat skills are useful in the battle against the Chitauri alien race.

Or you could have teammates who are geniuses but are as arrogant as Iron Man. Given their super brains, they deserve some praise. Don't let them go overboard though. It's not all the time that they got the final say in a project. Respect their ideas. If they have the best idea, praise them but not too excessively. Don’t laugh at them if they fail.

There are teammates who easily get excited. Their mood swings and unexpected outbursts turn you off. Arguing with them won't do well to the group especially if you're beating a deadline. That goalkeeper who didn't catch the ball may have some personal problems. That frail girl who refused to gather leaves for your science project may have an illness. The thing is, you don't know what’s beyond the outer appearance so it's much better to get to know them first. That way you won't be surprised when the cool Dr. Banner turns out to be the incredible Hulk. You'll know how to respond too by the time "the Hulk" starts throwing things.

The god of thunder Thor is torn between protecting his brother Loki and taking him down as any superhero is supposed to do. When teammates are confused as Thor, your project suffers. Discuss among yourselves the path you need to take to make your project a success. Aim for the greater good. Prioritize the group's interest, not your own.

It's sometimes healthy to have disagreements in a team. The downside is that sometimes relationship suffers. Some cry, walk out or turn their backs on you. When the walkout-prince and princess come back to ask forgiveness, give it. Don't let them wallow in guilt like archer Hawkeye did after he was controlled by Loki. Give them a second chance.

Don't just stick to your usual roles. The Black Widow in The Avengers refused to be taken as a spy as she fought alongside with the rest of the Avengers in saving the world. Maybe you're just content with being a stylist for your play. Who knows you have the talent that could make you a lead actor? Find your individual strengths.

At the end of the movie, the Avengers went on in their own way until a new threat to Earth will come. Your group work coming to a close doesn't mean you have to cut ties with your teammates. The next time you find yourself in a group, think of the Avengers and your former teammates. Treat your new teammates with respect for another superb class project. (FREEMAN)