What is All The Buzz About Being a Team Player?

by Michelle Wright
You probably hear a lot of buzz in the workplace about being a team player. Given all the momentum around being a team player, teamwork has become the norm versus the exception. With that being said, are you a valuable team player? Would an employer want you on their team?

Here are ten common traits of a team player:

  1. Adaptable

    A team player must possess a willingness to learn new skills and the ability to transfer skills to a new job or role. Being self confident, creative, and service minded are hallmarks of being an adaptable team player. A self confident team player is not threatened or challenged by change – nope instead a team player embraces change.

  2. Collaborative

    Team players do not perceive their teammates as competitors but as parts that complete the whole team. It was the effort and contribution of all team members working towards the same goal that made it possible for the 1980 US Hockey team to defeat Russia for the gold medal in the Olympics.

  3. Committed

    Team players value loyalty and as a result, create loyalty amongst teammates.

  4. Communicative

    They understand the reality of relationship building. They know it takes time, patience and understanding. As a result, they build trust with their team members, which is essential to being effective within the team.

  5. Competent

    Team players set high standards of excellence and consistently and perform at that level. Competent team players are aware of their strengths and weakness and capitalize on what they do well.

  6. Dependable

    Team players are driven to achieve the team’s goals. They demonstrate good judgment and responsible decision making skills that are motivated by the team’s objectives. This person is often referred to as the “go to” person.

  7. Enlargers

    Are team players whom make their teammates more valuable. Ervin “Magic” Johnson increased the value of his teammates by understanding their talents and playing to their strengths. It was Magic’s high expectations and selflessness that helped elevate Kareem Abdul- Jabar’s, Michael Cooper’s, and James Worthy’s basketball game to a higher level.

  8. Enthusiastic

    Team players believe in what they do and share their positive energy with team members. They always strive to do their best and then some. Enthusiastic team players are sensitive about time and focus their energy on completion of assigned tasks.

  9. Global perspective

    Team players understand the big picture and the commitment and sacrifice necessary to meet the team’s objectives. A true team player is content with his/her role and supports the role(s) of his/her teammate(s).

  10. Prepared

    A team player values the importance of research/practice, diligence, and action and the postive outcome of being prepared. Prepared team players are forward thinkers and have routines to break down the process into easier steps.