Great Team Members At Work

Previously, we talked about teams and how a good coach can really impact a team's success. But like a football team, it is the players that actually run the ball. Being a good team member is the other part of having a winning team. Like being a successful coach, being a valuable team member can be learned and developed. Like anything else, the more you work at it the better you become. So what qualities make for a true MVP on the job?

Play to Your Strengths
Figure out what you do well and do more of it. Are you the one willing to just get the work done? Are you the person who sees what hasn't been checked off the list? Do you know how to inject some fun into the day and keep everyone moving? Do you have good ideas on how to make a client more satisfied? We all excel at different things, play to your strengths, whatever they may be.

Be Reliable
Do you think the members on a winning football team miss practice or show up late for games? Winning team members are reliable and know that the rest of the team needs to be able to count on them to do what is expected of them.

Communicate Constructively & Listen Actively
Winning teams need people who will communicate with respect for others and the work of the team. Likewise, teams need team players who will listen to the ideas and points of view of others without debating or arguing every point. A winning  team member can also hear criticism without reacting defensively and keeping their focus on solving the problem.

Stay Flexible
The way the team plays may change from day to day as the competition and playing field change. The most valuable team members know how to stay flexible to those changes to help their teams succeed.

Take Initiative
See work that needs to be done? Do it. See a problem? Fix it. MVPs don't wait for someone else to catch the ball.

Be a Positive Force on Your Team
Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, a great team player works at supporting their team members with positive feedback and a willingness to help out.