04.08.13 The 9th Key for Adding Value as an Employee
9. Be a Team Player
A few months after joining the airline, I hired a team comprising a marketing officer and a statistician. The marketing officer was to follow up on the implementation of our strategy while the statistician would keep data on our progress. Our team of three was responsible for the value that we brought in the commercial department of that airline.
We also see that it was team effort that drove Naaman to consent to washing seven times in the Jordan whence he got healed of leprosy (2 Kings 5:13).
A value-adding employee looks for opportunities to work with and in teams for synergy, acknowledging that progress cannot be a ‘one-woman’s show’. In fact, the bible encourages us to work in teams. See what Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says (NLT): 9Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Therefore, seek to collaborate with a diverse group of people. Be open to receiving different viewpoints as well as constructive criticism and feedback since they enhance creativity, innovation and improvement while promoting synergy. Encourage team members to support each other as that will foster a spirit of ‘shared responsibility’ and ‘accountability’ amongst team members thence adding value.
Appreciate the differences in the personalities and working styles of each member; and how they work best, then customise your communication to match those differences. If things do not go as expected, refrain from pointing fingers and blaming members as that often perpetuates negative energy and divisions. Rather, learn from your mistakes and move on. Also, losing your temper should never happen in the workplace. Therefore, always display emotional intelligence.
Steer clear of politics and negative gossip as that is a common precursor of toxic work environments and team fragmentation. Treat each member with respect and wherever possible, promote a peaceful space (Romans 12:18) by addressing any discontenting issues with the member concerned directly albeit privately, rather than running to your supervisor or backbiting the person with other team members.
Pursue team success rather than desiring the spotlight while leaving colleagues in the background. Never step on their toes in order to fulfill your personal agenda as people do not want to be ‘used’. If the team succeeds, all of you succeed. In the same vein, be ready to celebrate the success of your peers and to give credit openly and genuinely, wherever it is due. In other words, pursue ‘shared credit’ over self. If you are the team leader, remember to consistently highlight how members have added value, and to thank them for their contribution.
Identify the various talents of team members. Who are the idea generators planners or action-oriented members? Specifically, while idea generators come up with ideas for value-adding projects; planners will design the solutions. Action-oriented members will implement the plans within set timelines.