Teamship – The Undervalued Virtue Of Being a Great Team Player
We talk a lot about leadership but how can you be an outstanding teammate?
We don’t celebrate outstanding “teamship” enough. And just as leadership is contextual (qualities vary from team to team), so is teamship.
Here’s a process that may be helpful:
- Brainstorm qualities considered valuable on your team, along with behaviors demonstrating those qualities (e.g. caring, accountable, encouraging, supportive, attentive, etc.)
- Take five minutes before every team meeting to tell a story about a team member who demonstrated one of these qualities. Shine a light on success.
- When someone on the team demonstrates one of these attributes, let them know how much you appreciate them and why.
Acknowledging and appreciating people for their contributions is not a well-developed muscle in our society. It takes practice and vigilance to strengthen our capacity. But maybe teamship requires at least the same attention that we give to leadership.
Both are required to create a great team.
