Employee Insights Volume 20: What does it mean to be a team player?
With the growth of the gig economy, freelancing, and remote work opportunities, more and more people are transitioning to working almost entirely by themselves. In fact, up to 16% of Americans are already earning income through gig work like ridesharing, delivery services, and another 22% of workers worked remotely for some or all of their job. But what about the rest of us? We all have to work in a team to varying degrees order to have a productive and positive work environment.
So, what does it mean to be a team player? We all want one, but can we all say we’ve been one ourselves? What does it even mean to be a good team player? While you can’t control the actions and attitudes of others, it’s important you adopt practical principles that you can take anywhere to at least ensure you are being one yourself. Your influence is a lot more powerful than you think, you may be the catalyst the team needed to turn your team into an A team!
Today’s Masterclass Monday share 4 universal attitudes anyone can start using today! You owe it to yourself and your team to show up and play your part so we everyone can get back to their family and loved ones.
Have a good attitude
Yup, that simple. We all know how to be polite and courteous to others, give your coworkers that same professional courtesy as well. No one is saying you have to turn into the office cheerleader but simply someone that encourages good habits and attitudes.
Don’ts: Don’t gossip, don’t put others down, don’t make jokes at someone else’s expense, don’t use abusive language towards others, don’t distract others
Do’s: Encourage others, celebrate your teams wins, offer to help, share your experiences to teach
Do your job well
It’s been said that all we owe others, is our own success. In other words, the best thing you can ever be to someone else, is a good example! Whether you are an independent contributor to your company, or a member of a larger team, keep in mind you aren’t getting paid to do a job, you are getting paid do a job well. Shortcuts and average work not only affect your personal reputation, but also add more work to your colleagues by having to fix your mistakes or fill in where you slacked off. Not to mention, this also affects your company’s reputation, AKA, your job! It takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch. Uphold the company brand and standards so you can be proud of working at a reputable operation. In the future, if you are ever looking for new work, it goes a long way if people see you worked at companies with good reputations.
Step in and step up
Like every team, you and yours will eventually have certain challenges to face. Whether that means being short staffed, working through a busy season, or tackling new projects, your team will need you to kick it up a notch at some point. These periods aren’t forever but during that time, show your team you can be depended on. Separate yourself from the idea that you can only do things you are explicitly being paid to do. While you may technically be right in some instances, its still an attitude you are reinforcing that directly affects your character. When opportunities present themselves in the future, your team will remember your efforts and add you to the strong contenders list! Every action has a consequence so control what you can control, and work to create a team environment that makes your work more manageable.
Speak up when needed
Every now and then, we all end up working with a bad apple. Sometimes its best to just stay clear and mind your business. What about when its not? What if it’s affecting you directly? As a good team player, part of that responsibility is speaking up when needed. Sometimes certain people have no respect for their team or the quality of their work. When others are taking shortcuts, underperforming, disrespecting others, for the sake of protecting the positive environment you’ve helped create, address this with the individual, or the corresponding manager as appropriate. Avoid being confrontational and simply state your case, provide an alternative, and a call to action. If the person is not receptive and continues to be a disruption, it might be best to consider speaking to a manager so they can address it themselves.
Are you looking for a team player when it comes to your nest job search? Check out our highly rated recruiters in both Long Beach and Fullerton! They’ve successfully partnered with Job Seekers like you and streamlined interview and onboarding process for a smooth experience. We are ready when you are!