Gestalt Psychology: The Sum Is Greater Than The Individual Parts

The greatest lesson that sports teaches you is that Gestalt psychology truly does make sense. What is Gestalt psychology?

Gestalt psychology is based on the belief that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts (Gestalt is German for "form" or "shape").

A good example is the St-Louis Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Here is a team filled with talent. Quarterback Kurt Warner is a two-time MVP. Running back Marshall Faulk was the best Offensive Player of the Year two years in a row. Receivers Isaac Bruce is a Pro Bowler.

While every single one of these players has a legitimate reason to ask for the ball, none of them do. They all trust that the quarterback will do what is best for the team in order to win.

The players are not focused on getting the ball more often; they want the offense – as a unit (of the Greatest Show on Earth as some dub it) – to put up the numbers necessary to win games.

Of course, it is much easier to say that you are a team player than it is to be one.