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Mattingly's statement stuck with me long after I read it because it is so universally applicable. Whether you're playing baseball, providing a service or manufacturing widgets, you don't have to make a direct contribution to be a valuable team member. Home runs are an important part of the process, of course, but so are coming to the ballpark every day, caring for your teammates and helping other people succeed.

Of course, no matter how good you are at connecting with the people around you, conflict is inevitable, especially on a team. That's why knowing how to pick your battles is just as important as knowing how to get along with people. The following disciplines will help you gain a better perspective on when to fight and when to acquiesce.

1. Spend time with people who are different from you. This will help you to appreciate others and understand how they think and work, which will make you less likely to judge or battle them.

2. In matters of personal preference or taste, give in. Keep the main things the main things. If you don't save your energy for what really matters, you'll wear yourself out and wear out your welcome with others.

3. Don't take things too personally. Always remember, hurting people hurt people. That doesn't excuse bad behavior, but it can make it easier to deflect insensitive or rude comments.

4. Practice the 101 percent principle. Whenever possible, find the one percent you do agree on in a difficult situation and give it 100 percent of your effort.

5. Finally, be a servant leader. If your mindset is to serve rather than to be served, you will likely encounter less conflict.