Teamwork in the workplace

​It has been close to 25 years since I have been part of an organized sports team.  Now as a parent going through organized sports, I often tell my kids to be a good teammate.  In hindsight, I found that I wasn’t sure that my kids truly understood what it all takes to be a good teammate.  The concept of teamwork and being a great team player we all know reaches far beyond sports.  Most people work in some sort of team environment.  I found this great article by Joel Garfinkle that shares five qualities, "...that make a good team player great:

1. Always reliable. A great team player is constantly reliable day in and day out, not just some of the time. You can count on them to get the job done, meet deadlines, keep their word and provide consistent quality work.  With excellent performance, organization and follow-through on tasks they develop positive work relationships with team members and keep the team on track.
2. Communicates with confidence. Good team players might silently get the work done but shy away from speaking up and speaking often. Great team players communicate their ideas honestly and clearly and respect the views and opinions of others on the team.  Clear, effective communication done constructively and respectfully is the key to getting heard.
3. Does more than asked. While getting the work done and doing your fair share is expected of good team players, great team players know that taking risks, stepping outside their comfort zones, and coming up with creative ideas is what it’ll take to get ahead. Taking on more responsibilities and extra initiative sets them apart from others on the team.
4. Adapts quickly and easily. Great team players don’t passively sit on the sideline and see change happen; they adapt to changing situations and often drive positive change themselves.  They don’t get stressed or complain but are flexible in finding their feet in whatever is thrown their way.
5. Displays genuine commitment. Good team players are happy to work 9-5 and receive their paycheck at the end of the month. Great team players take the time to make positive work relationships with other team members a priority and display a genuine passion and commitment toward their team. They come to work with the commitment of giving it 110% and expect others on the team to do the same.

To be a great team player, you don’t have to be extroverted or indulge in self-promotion. In fact, great team players sport all kinds of personalities. You just need to be an active participant and do more than your job title states. Put the team’s objectives above yours and take the initiative to get things done without waiting to be asked."

It was a great refresher to not only share with my children, but for myself as well. Thanks for reading!
​Amy

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