Over the years, one surprising things I have learned is that many, if not most, people do not understand what it means to be a “team player”. Being part of a team is somewhat inevitable. Especially in business, whether you are in direct sales or you created a ground floor start up, you need other people. Suppliers, mentors, customers, employees, business partners, team members, etc. Working within a group cannot be avoided. This is especially true in network marketing, where “team” is the heart of the industry. In network marking one must have a functioning network and one must contribute to a functioning network.
While doing research for this article, I noticed a common theme: being a team player is hard. I had never thought of it that way, probably because of my personality type. We tend to see things only from our perspective at times. But as I dug deeper, the ideology that being a team player is difficult began to make a lot of sense. The difficulty, I believe, is because the best team players are often excellent leaders. On the surface that sounds like a contradiction but, it is actually an age old concept, “But among you it will be different, those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank and the leader should be a servant.” Luke 22:26 NLT
Team players, like any great leader, must be committed to the mission and vision of the team.
- They strive to accomplish the goals set forth with excellence.
- The big picture is just as valuable as their individual goals.
Team players know that every caterpillar is destined to become a butterfly.
- No matter who advances in rank faster, or who receives more recognition, a team player does not quit or work to destroy the team because of jealousy. It is understood that their moment will come, just like every caterpillar.
- Team players genuinely feel comfortable when others shine because they know the value of hard work and staying the course despite the obstacles.
- Caterpillars do not give up on becoming a butterfly because some other caterpillar became a butterfly first.
- The caterpillar type of fortitude is contagious and can create an environment where uplifting others becomes the norm, instead of the exception.
Team players understand the need to be willing to learn, not matter their accomplishments.
- LeBron James is on the greatest NBA Players of all time. He has proven himself to be a leader in numerous situations on and off the basketball court. He has also proven himself to be coachable. He still values, follows, and seeks out instructions from his coach and mentors. Try to name one super star that didn’t have a coach their entire career.
- Being teachable opens the door for accountability.
- Accountability paves the way for growth.
- Growth is the key to accomplishing goals.
- Goals create direction.
- Direction leads to accomplishment.
Team players do not believe staying in the background, unnoticed is helpful.
- Team players can bring valuable ideas and resources to the table without making any other team member feel undervalued or bullied.
- They can respectfully share their point of views and incorporate the input from others too.
- They can speak up confidently, and not come across as arrogant.
- Team players are not limited by a job description. They are as willing help and be hands on when needed.
- They are not concerned with who gets the credit as long as the overall goal remains in sight.
- These characteristics demand that a team player work to have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Team players are respectful to everyone, regardless of their background, rank, or status.
- Kindness is in overflow when it comes to the real champions on a team. There is an understanding that the power of generosity, gratitude, and positivity outweigh most everything else.
- Team players do not have to tear others down in order to build themselves up.
- They respect people who have accomplished more but are not intimated by them.
- On the same note, they do not act untouchable or superior to those who may not be in the same position or circle as them.
In short, a true team player is a gift to any team. The different strengths and flexibility help nurture an environment where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. You can very easily be that gift to any team, in any environment. No matter what it looks like, light will always drive out darkness, positivity will always smother negativity, and we always get to choose what role we take.
If you would like to join a thriving team where team players are plentiful, let’s get connected by clicking here.