Be the Orchestra
“The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently toward one goal in unison.”
– James Cash Penney
Do you remember the scene from the movie Chakde where the two forward players were playing for individual interests? The Indian team did win, but the coach was furious because he knew the opponents realized no coordination between their two leading players. And in just the next match, the opponent team didn’t tag _ because they were sure she wouldn’t pass the ball. Everyone knows what followed but imagine had they continued to play for individual interest or for getting awarded as the highest scorer, the team would have lost.
That’s how important it is to be a team player. Because if you value works and results, you will always want the final result to be the best rather than individual interests.
There are times when there is a massive conflict of interest when you feel you are compromising your individuality for a larger goal. Try to balance by realizing your priorities and how much they will affect you and your team.
- Sign languages aren’t for everyone
Imagine trying to understand sign language? Complicated, isn’t it? Let’s make it easier. Imagine watching a foreign language movie with English subtitles. Okay, but not great, right? If you want clear communication regarding entertainment, imagine how important it is in personal and professional settings. Whenever you have to communicate, make sure you are in the correct frame of mind and expressing yourself clearly and straightforwardly. Trying to tell volumes when necessary only complicates matters and fails to send the actual message across. Communicate as if your life depended on it.
- Be the fixer!
No company is ever free of conflicts or issues. Even the strongest of teams have their turbulent times. And it is during these phases, you should, as an integral part of the team, be the one to take the initiative to solve the problem rather than mulling about the fact that there is a problem. Do not be that relative in the wedding who adds fuel to the fire. Be the calming force needed to stabilize the situation and find solutions. Be a fixer in this broken world!
- Extend your faith
No relationship sustains without trust. It is not only the trust in people but their abilities too. Remember how you felt accomplished when your parents let you drive for the first time? It isn’t that they didn’t trust you, but they started trusting your abilities, and that makes all the difference. When you show faith in your team’s ability, they also have the motivation to prove themselves so that they do not ruin other’s expectations. That becomes a game changer when every person gives their best.
- It’s all about perspectives
Be accepting of people’s opinions. Many times we are so caught up in our minds that we fail to understand other perspectives. When in a team, it is imperative to be accepting of other people’s opinions. Accept and accommodate to develop and grow the team.
- Don’t be a Dhoni, if you are a Bhumrah
You are a part of the team for a reason. There are things that someone else will bring to the table. Try to play your role in the best possible way. And appreciate the roles others are playing. How would the Indian cricket team flourish if Bhumrah starts interfering in wicket keeping? If you play your role well, you give the confidence to the team that your part of the project is being taken care of.
Being a team player is like being a part of the family. You may have your differences and temperament but agree to disagree if need be. And no matter what, stick to your team the way we stick for our families.
Remember how grateful you always are towards your family. Is it because they are family or because of the emotions that you associate with the togetherness? Bring that emotion into your office within your team.
Nurture it. Replenish it! Have faith in it!
Your team is who you are, and you are your team!
“None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.”
– Mother Teresa
References
- 15 top tips to become a better team player at work by Kristy McCann Flynn: The ladders
- How to Be a Great Team Player: Mindtools
- How to be a Team Player at Work: Glassdoor
- 14 Key Steps To Become A Better Team Player At Work: Forbes
Plagiarism : 4%
