THE TEAM PLAYER EVERYONE WANTS

The essential thinking of man makes him an excellent problem solver. Every individual can be a group member, but an exceptional person is a team creative player. To be an indispensable team player everybody wants in their team, the individual must have the following attributes;

• Creativity; When the team member who is the team player operates at an equal level with others and tends to be more open about his/her ideas.

• Brilliant ideas; The team player gives extensive ideas that can change the mentality of the team members.

• Motivation to other members; The individual work rate inspires the other members to work more and be reliable.

• Leadership skill; The team player should be outspoken and able to manage the other team members.

• Versatility; The team player must be a utility player in the team. He/she should be able to function in almost all departments and deliver.

However, in today’s increasingly competitive ever-changing, ever-evolving marketplace, it is important to differentiate yourself and build your unique brand as a star player within the organization. The career experts in the Middle East gave some basic guidelines to help a team player establish his/herself as the team player everyone wants to have on their team.

1. Treat people with respect at all times; The golden rule is “treat others in the organization as you would like to be treated”. This includes respecting yourself and others at all times, being pleasant, cordial, and cheerful even in times of stress, and making the effort to understand other people’s points of view even when they are sharply divergent from your own. People want to work with people they like and respect, so make sure at all times you treat them well and in a manner that conveys you value their judgment, skills, and contributions.

2. Be an expert in tasks or job; There is no substitute for being an expert in your field to get the full positive acknowledgment and recognition one needs a firm foothold on their career, knowledge, skills, and training are rapidly becoming obsolete in today’s ever-evolving market place and it is essential to stay ahead of the change curve by constantly re-inventing yourself, updating your skills and maintain your edge in the market place. Take personal control of your ongoing education and don’t let any impediments stand in your path. If the organization won'tfund your self-education, find alternative ways to avail yourself of the training you need.Attend courses, and seminars, read the relevant literature,and make sure that your skills never become redundant. 

3. Love your role; This may be easier said than done, but nothing is more attractive and contagious than sincere outright enthusiasm. Sure, some days are better than others for everyone, but people who are doing what they love to do and are sincerely excited and enthusiastic about their role, project or task will generally infuse the organization with a certain figure and energy and will almost always be a joy to have them around provided they remain modest team players and don’t boast or gloat about their satisfaction or result.

4. Have a strong work ethic; It may not do too much for your popularity in the short run if you are the person who an 8-7 per day, when everyone works 9-5 but a strong work ethic coupled with a pleasant work style, team spirit and all the other attributes we mentioned earlier will win the day in the long run.

5. Perfect your communication skills; Good communication includes talking as well as listening. You need to be able to communicate effectively with superiors, peers, and subordinates. Learn to give feedback that is constructive, motivational, and conclusive to bolster team spirit, productivity, and morale. 

Furthermore, to be a team player in an organization takes diligence, tolerance, patience, and creativity. In summary, a team player is needed by everyone in there.

Nwankwo Ruth Ogadinma

OS/21C/3393

Agricultural Economics and Extension

Imo State