What does it mean to become a great team member?
One of the big myths in the world today is that you can do it alone. In reality, whatever it is, you can’t do it by yourself—we’re made to live in relationship with other people and to work as part of a team. If all they had was Joe Montana, the San Francisco 49ers would have lost every game.
At your job, you work as part of a team. Your team may consist of just a few people at basically the same level, or it could be a large group with a wide range on the pay scale. Your entire team may come from the same background—whether office workers or construction workers—or you may be part of a board or committee combining experts from various fields. Regardless, it is vital to your organization’s success and to your own enjoyment of work that you become a great team member.
A great team member puts the team above himself. Instead of looking for how he can advance himself or make things easier for himself, a great team member is looking to improve the team as a whole and how to serve the other team members. Great team members have great communication skills and strong, respectful work relationships.
Just as you can work to improve in your roles as a friend, spouse, or parent, it is possible to become a better team member. It does take some effort, but whether you are new on the job or nearing retirement, you can improve as a team member.