Be a Team Player
Be a Team Player
Everyone is judged by the others in the team, as being in one of three categories, either as;
- A positive, beneficial addition to the team. or
- A neutral factor: meaning, this person is not particularly helpful, but he-she is not harmful either. or
- As being a negative, trouble-making factor in the team. These people are more trouble than they are worth.
Your mission is to be a beneficial addition to the team. And if you cannot do that, then would you please strive hard, NOT to be a trouble maker.
Question: Do you know anyone in your team who seems to create more trouble than they are worth?
These people may be highly qualified in terms of their technical skills, but the problem is in the negative effect that they have on the productive atmosphere of the team. There are some people who don't realize that the emotional component of a team's performance is very important.
So, highly competent people with terrific technical skills may still, on closer examination, be a negative factor because they upset the team's emotional balance. This may be by using harsh language, or by seeming to be rude, or by acting in an arrogant or selfish manner, or by belittling a subordinate colleague.
It is important to be a beneficial addition to the team.
You can do this best by recognising that the team functions at its best when the atmosphere in the team is Positive, Friendly, Goal focused, and Co-operative.
Each of those terms is important: Positive. Friendly. Goal focused. Cooperative. Let us look at each in turn.
1. Positive
Optimistic for the future. Being positive means thinking that the future will be fine. Negative means the opposite; negative people hold the presumption that the future will not be fine. So it is important that you don't overdose on pessimism, and fear, and worry.
Instead try to project the idea that if we work well, things will turn out well. The future is bright.
2. Friendly
Friendly means that you speak to people in friendly ways. This means that you don't berate them, or swear too much, or make fun of them (even "as a joke"). Friendly means taking the time to say "good morning", and "thank you", and being polite, even during tough times. Unfriendly behaviour will smash a team's spirit. So be cautious. Be friendly.
3. Goal focused
Although being friendly is on the list, we are not at work to make friends. We are at work to achieve goals. If the organisation does not achieve its goals, then its future is limited. So goal focus is one of the most important attributes of any team. (It may even be THE MOST important attribute of a team). So, make sure that everything you do and everything you say, contributes to the achievement of the goal. Or at least, make sure that your actions do not hinder the achievement of the team's goals.
4. Cooperative
Since no one person acting singly can achieve big goals, then we all need to gain the co-operative assistance of others. Therefore, you must gain the reputation for being a cooperative person. Cooperative means that you take the initiative to assist others. You pull your share of the work. You never shirk your responsibilities. You look for ways to help your team mates who may be struggling.
Don't be uncooperative: don't argue with people just for the sake of it. Some people argue a point simply because they like the entertainment-value of an argument.
Don't leave a mess behind you in the kitchen. Don't forget to offer the others a cup of tea, when you go to make your own.
If you see someone struggling with the door, hold it open for them.
Think carefully about how you can make the lives of your fellow team members better
If you make their lives better, then you will be considered to be a positive, beneficial addition to the team. If you don't, you won't.
Make the lives of your fellow team members, better.
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Definition: team player
In business teams, a team player is a worker who brings a positive outlook, speaks and acts in a friendly way, stays focused on the common goal, and lends active help to colleagues. Remove any one of these traits and the person stops being a true team player.
Show CG4D Definition
- Maintains an optimistic, solution-oriented attitude
- Uses friendly, respectful communication
- Aligns work and decisions with the shared goal
- Offers active, reliable cooperation and support
Article Summary
You add real value to any team when you stay positive, speak in a friendly way, keep the goal in view and step in to help; skill opens the door, but this attitude moves the whole group forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What makes someone a positive team player?
Why is attitude as vital as skill in a team?
How can I keep a positive attitude at work during tough times?
What does friendly communication look like in the office?
How do I stay goal focused without seeming pushy?
Which small daily actions prove cooperative skills?
How can I handle a colleague who harms team morale?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace report shows firms with highly engaged teams record 18% higher output and 23% higher profit than those with low engagement. Microsoft’s 2022 Work Trend Index found 86% of staff say a positive team culture is vital for hitting goals and 73% are more likely to stay when the workplace feels friendly and helpful.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Teamwork
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Building Better Work Relationships
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