ALT-9 How to be a Team Player
In relation to professionalism and 'How to be a team player', let us take into account the National Football Leagues' players and consider what all it takes for them to play in a game. Although our positions will not be as physical as theirs, the philosophy can apply and we can ask one another, even as writers: "Are we as dedicated at belonging and being a working part of a publication's team? Are we up for the training or as committed as these players are, at triumphing? Do we see ourselves as star players or do we sit on the bench?"
Since the driving force for players on a football team is guided by different means then on a writer's playing field: the goals of the writing teams are still the same as the NFL for becoming a successful team player. Let's look at what the NFL states on their 'League Employment' website. It reads: 'GET in the game...apply for a position on our team': The NFL encourages its employees to enjoy their work and develop their talent both personally and professionally. We recognize that the only way to reach our goals is to have a team of talented individuals. Our employees are highly motivated, innovative team players. If you possess these qualities, there may be a place for you on our roster.'
Do any of those statements ring true for employment with a publisher? Absolutely! In the first place, we are hired for our talent and ability to write. Granted, becoming an outstanding writer will not happen overnight and neither will a professional running back become one, in a few days. And although the team effort it takes to win a football game differs from writing, there is still strategy behind it and an overall effort to be our best as a team and for our publisher.
Enjoying your work and developing your talent is purposed in the 'Get in the game' at NFL. It involves a total team effort. In essence and like a writer, in order to reach a goal, a team player works alone in his/her own mind. The need to accept responsibility of your own actions is required, in order to equip the team with the talent that's needed to win. Whether you are with the team or whether you are at a desk; you are on your own reaching your personal goals and developing your talents.
Being a team player in any field is about learning and knowing what the team's mission is. If you appear to know the purpose behind the company you are working for, yet you really don't; then the whole team is affected by your performance. The strategies put in place no longer apply to you because you do not know what moves to make. This will cause the team effort to become fragile and will put a crack in its foundation and split its overall mission. You then dictate, by your actions, that the team no longer involves you. Therefore, your slack restricts the team from being as strong as it could be.
If you know that you have the talent and that you are a good team player as a writer, football player, accountant, or for any other position; a costly mistake for the team is to misconstrue that you work best alone. Any publisher, coach, team leader or etcetera, who heads up a tower of employees, will definitely be looking for traits of team companionship and compatibility with his/her team.
As a team player, or if you want to evaluate whether or not you have what it takes to succeed on a team, here are several questions to ask yourself:Have you set your goals to enjoy your work? Do you enjoy your work? Are you unhappy that you are not where you want to be? What is your current position in relation to your team's mission? Do you know the strategy of the team and do you know the position of the other team players?
If you do not enjoy your work, then perhaps you need to look at your plays; or what it is you are trying to reach for. If any of these questions leaves you stumped, then maybe you could form a huddle and learn what the team's goals are; given that you can't make a pass until someone is ready to receive.
Resource: Official Site of the NFL: www.nfl.com > NFL Corporate> League Employment
