So far this series, we've established that two of the characteristics of an effective team player are competency and commitment. Next up on the list is adaptability.
There's a brilliant quote that states, "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape." In every area of life, professional or personal, we encounter things on a daily basis that require an adjustment. Typically, the more willing we are to work with whatever it is, the better our chances of making the best out of it become. As a team, the same invitation is presented to us. We can embrace it or avoid it.
Think of it like this. A team of 8 arrives at an obstacle course. The course consists of 8 varied activities. To increase your odds at success, I'm assuming your team of 8 would collaboratively review the tasks, in order to match team member to the task she is most likely to master. Without question, it would be strategic and smart to assess how each team member's strengths might align with a particular challenge; otherwise, your team would enter the obstacle course unprepared.
The same is true of a work scenario. If individual team members aren't willing to adjust accordingly, it will be very difficult for the team as a whole to do well. Anyone that has an attitude of "that's just not my sort of job," is stifling the team's success.
Are you willing to develop new skills, pursue new knowledge, and adapt your approach to benefit your team? Only you know the answer to that, but ask yourself a few questions to start determining your answer.
If a team member had a sudden emergency that required another member to work a few extra hours that evening, would you volunteer your time or opt out of assisting?Let's say you are highly uncomfortable presenting information in large-group settings, yet your team rotates the responsibility of sharing project updates at all-staff meetings. Would you find a replacement when your turn turned up, or would you bite the bullet and present professionally?
If you noticed that a team member had more on his plate than others, would you willingly offer to help or wait for him to ask?
Let's face it - if every team member were willing to adjust when needed, the inevitable problem that's bound to pop up wouldn't cause as much chaos. Typically, teams experience stress and tension when everyone refuses to adjust. So, are you willing to work around whatever comes your team's way, or do you plan on putting it on someone else?
Doug C. Watsabaugh, senior partner at WCW Partners, understands how to meet your unique performance challenges. With more than 20 years of experience, WCW Partners is a performance-improvement company that helps businesses revitalize their results and achieve record-breaking performance.
If you are looking to excel in sales, service or leadership, let Doug develop the capability in you! http://wcwpartners.com/.