Home Library Translate
A A A
Share »
Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on LinkedIn
Connect »

Blog: Career Management

Menu

  • This Blog's Home
  • Guest Writer Submissions
  • Policies
  • To Subscribe to a Blog
  • About
  • Feedback

Are You A Team Player?

By Marcia Zidle on May 31, 2011

Are you a team playerIf you were asked in a behavioral interview for examples of being a team player, what would you say?

This came up during a recent leadership coaching session with a department manager who would be adding eight new people to her team over the next several months. One of the key selection criteria is that the new hires must be team players.

Is It Me or Is It We?

Imagine a basketball team in which each player tries to take every shoot instead of passing the ball to an open player, setting screens for teammates or getting into position for the rebound. Obviously, the team would lose.

Yet, there are people at work who say they are a team player but in reality, they focus primarily on their own needs and ignore the needs of the team. Hopefully you’re not one of them. Here are easy, effective ways to show that you are a team player:

  • Include everyone on the team in the information loop so people will feel part of the team.
  • Don’t hog the limelight. When you get a compliment, acknowledge the team’s effort.
  • Volunteer to take the minutes at meetings rather than sit back and let others do it.
  • Be the first to chip in to move the filing cabinet or get doughnut or make the coffee.
  • List things you wish others would do for you and then start doing them for others.
  • Check the comments or decisions you’re about to make for their effect on others.
  • Express your appreciation when someone stops and helps you with a problem.
  • Listens and respond positively to other’s  ideas even if you don’t agree.
  • Be on the lookout to provide assistance to others when they need it.
  • Attend team social events and be social.

Career Success Tip

Managers look for people they can count on, whether that means taking initiative, being accountable or collaborating with others. You want your manager to see you as both a productive employee as well as a team player.

Readers, how have you been a team player? What other examples have you seen?

Do you want to develop Career Smarts?

  • For more resources, see the Library topic Career Management.
  • Start with the  Career Success System.
  • Sign up for Career Power: 101 success tips.
  • Fast track your career. Be part of a Success Team.
  • Need a speaker? Get the Edge Keynotes-webinars-workshops.
  • Find career and leadership boosters in the Smart Moves Blog.
  • Copyright © 2011 Marcia Zidle career and leadership coach.
« Previous Next »

Search Our Site

Meet This Blog’s Host

Marcia Zidle, a certified career strategist and business coach, works with high potential, high impact executives, managers and professionals to advance their careers and grow their leadership capabilities.
[Read more ...]

Recent Blog Posts

  • Watch Out For These Bad Habits: They Can Stop Your Career
  • Getting the Recognition You Deserve
  • Your Career Goals: Are You On Track or Side-Tracked?
  • Communication: Make Small Talk Big Talk
  • New Job and New Boss: Get Off On The Right Foot
  • What Are Your Career Goals For 2013?
  • What’s Important to an Employer?
  • Career Advice For Young Professionals and Leaders
  • The First Six Months On the Job: What You Need to Do!
  • Asking For Help Can Help Your Career

Categories of Posts

  • Basics and Overviews
  • Career Advancement
  • Career Planning
  • Career Resilience
  • Career Transition
  • Change Management
  • General Resources
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Job Search
  • Leading Others
  • Professional Development
  • Success Tips
  • Uncategorized

Related Library Links

  • Changing Your Behavior
  • Personal Development
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Management Development

Library's Blogs

  • Boards of Directors
  • Building a Business
  • Business Communications
  • Business Ethics, Culture and Performance
  • Business Planning
  • Career Management
  • Coaching and Action Learning
  • Consulting and Organizational Development
  • Crisis Management
  • Customer Service
  • Facilitation
  • Free Management Library Blogs
  • Fundraising for Nonprofits
  • Human Resources
  • Leadership
  • Marketing and Social Media
  • Nonprofit Capacity Building
  • Project Management
  • Quality Management
  • Social Enterprise
  • Spirituality
  • Strategic Planning
  • Supervision
  • Team Building and Performance
  • Training and Development
About Feedback Legal Privacy Policy Contact Us
Free Management Library, © Copyright Authenticity Consulting, LLC ®; All rights reserved.
  • Graphics by Wylde Hare LLC
  • Website maintained by Caitlin Cahill

By continuing to use this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.X