Being a Team Player!
Wednesday, January 29, 2020 - Joe Kiedinger
This week on my “Daily Cup of Joe” Instagram Stories I am focusing on specific topics about what it means to be a team player. There are a lot of misunderstandings about this idea.
For some, being a team player means being a martyr. These are the folks who try to do everything for everybody. They have no boundaries and often burn themselves out.
For others, they notice the challenges their co-workers are facing and add their perspective to try and help. The problem is that their well-intended advice is often misinterpreted as nosy and self-indulgent.
Based on my own experience, I look at being a team player a little differently. Below are a few things you can reflect upon:
1) Be a good follower: Being a good leader means to be a good follower.
2) Stay in your lane: Stay focused on your area of responsibility. It’s okay to provide advice or guidance in other lanes, but only if you’re asked to do so.
3) You’re not a critic: It’s not your job to criticize or share your opinion of other departments or individuals. That just stirs the pot and does nobody any good.
If you’re not sure of your lane, approach your leader and have a dialogue. Perhaps a written Roles and Responsibilities document is in order?
When individuals truly operate as team players it is highly engaging and motivating. Working together is such a rewarding experience!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: How would you rank yourself on the above three ideas? Self-reflection is the right place to start.