That pinch of salt that makes all the difference in teams

There's an ancient, silent gesture that has always accompanied the baker's craft. It's the decisive stroke that kneads, it's the warmth that makes bread rise. And then there's a pinch.

A pinch of salt.

Salt can be tasted in every bite. It holds the entire structure together. It contains and sustains. With salt, bread becomes bread: consistent, flavorful, lasting through time.

Well, in every team. in every group, there are people who are exactly like this. They are the salt. And they work miracles.

When we talk about teamwork, we often focus on those who make things grow. The visionaries, the creatives, those who bring energy, ideas, movement. The yeast, in other words.

And that's great.

With yeast, the dough rises and takes shape. But a loaf made only with flour and yeast swells until it bursts. And then it collapses.

Salt accompanies the yeast. It supports it and helps it do its job with balance. It's a presence that holds the framework together, discreet but decisive. And in teams, these people are noticed when their presence truly makes the difference.

There are colleagues who listen to everyone in meetings and then find the right words. Those who stay late to make sure everything works. Who notice when someone is feeling down and offer them coffee. They write their names small on every job well done.

They are the ones who maintain harmony, know how to mediate, pick up the pieces and put them back in place naturally. We recognize them as solid, concrete people. In reality, they are foundations. With them, the team stays cohesive, energy channels well, the atmosphere remains serene.

They say "what do you need?" instead of "look how much work I've done." And maybe while they're talking, they've already done yours too.

Recognizing the salt in a group is easy if you know where to look: it's the one everyone turns to in difficult moments. When there's confusion, you look for someone who can give direction. When there's tension, you find someone who knows how to listen. When there's a problem, they roll up their sleeves.

Here's who really holds the reins. They speak with measure, act with decisiveness. They hold everything together.

But being salt also has its weight. Sometimes you take on responsibilities that should belong to others. You find yourself always fixing things, always mediating, always holding everything together. And when things go well, maybe no one remembers you were there.

The salt knows this. And continues anyway. Because it knows that every ingredient has its role. It knows that without flour it would be useless, without yeast everything would stay flat. It needs others as much as others need it.

Be careful, though. Salt must be measured carefully. Even in bread, the right amount makes all the difference. These people often take on a lot because they're reliable. They become the glue that holds everything together and deserve the right space and recognition.

Lightening their load when needed. Giving them the right space, the right consideration. And, every now and then, a sincere thank you. Said well, looking them in the eyes.

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Many teams thrive thanks to those who quietly hold people and processes together, just like a good pinch of salt holds bread. If you recognize this role in yourself or someone close to you, coaching can help you embrace it with greater clarity and balance.

Explore how coaching can help you and possibly access a pro bono cycle with me. Nicola Arnese offers these sessions in his free time so as not to create conflicts with other professional commitments. Some flexibility in scheduling may be necessary.