“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9,10)
As a leader, your most valuable resource is the people that you work with. And now, more than ever, an excellent leader must be an effective team player. Here are some important things to remember in order to develop into a quality team member:
1. Demonstrate reliability. People should be able to count on you to do your fair share in working hard and meeting commitments. Consistency is crucial. Your team should be able to count on you to deliver good performance all the time, not just some of the time.
Proverbs 22:1 NIV – A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
”Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.” – Dietrich Bonhoffer
2. Communicate constructively. To be a valuable team player, you must be able to express your thoughts and ideas clearly, directly, honestly and with respect for others.
Proverbs 13:2-3 NIV – From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
”The most important single ingredient in the formula of success i9s knowing how to get along with people.” – Theodore Roosevelt
3. Function as an active participant. You must fully engage yourself in the work of your team if you are to be an effective team player. Take the initiative and help make things happen with an attitude of “What contribution can I make to help the team achieve success?”
Proverbs 20:18 NIV – Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
4. Share information. Be willing to share information, knowledge, and experience. Take the initiative to keep other team members informed both formally and on a day-to-day “touching base.”
Proverbs 12:15 NIV – The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
“It’s not what you tell your players that counts. It’s what they hear.”- Red Auerbach
5. Pitch in to help. Teamwork involves working with others and acting together to accomplish a job. Good team players figure out ways to solve problems and get work done in spite of differences they may have with one another on an individual level.
(Proverbs 12:24 NIV – Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.
“There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being – to help someone succeed.”Alan Loy McGinnis
6. Practice flexibility. Change is the norm when you’re working in a team environment. Good team players flow and adapt to these conditions. They don’t complain or get stressed out because something new is tried or some new direction is being set.
(Proverbs 24:10 NIV – If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!
7. Work as a problem-solver. An effective team player is willing to deal with all kinds of problems in a solutions-oriented manner. Instead of being a problem-dweller, problem-blamer, or problem-avoider, valuable team members choose the approach of a problem-solver.
(Proverbs 22:29) Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.
“The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it.” – Anonymous