Your Money & Business
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Who’s Going to Carry the Boat?
September 2023
By Dr. Jenipher D. Cornelius
We have all heard the term, "There is no I in team." While that is accurate, I would disagree with the sentiment in general. The Navy Seals have a saying, "Who's going to carry the boat?" This statement is about each individual being part of the team and needing to carry their weight for the team to succeed. The saying is about not letting your team down because you care so much about the team's success that you are willing to dig deeper when you are running out of steam. If you need assistance or help, your team is there to support you as well because they are asking themselves the same question, "Who's going to carry the boat?" Being part of a team requires individual commitment and, sometimes, even sacrifice.
In the business world, team player often refers to an individual's ability and willingness to work collaboratively and effectively with others in a group setting. Group and team settings require a range of qualities, behaviors, and attitudes that contribute to the overall success of the department and, ultimately, the organization.
The following are some of the most critical attributes of a team player:
Communication skills: Team players are effective communicators if they are open to one another, are active listeners, ask for clarification when needed, and share relevant information and insights that can have a positive impact on the team's goals.
Actively collaborate: Team players share skills and expertise with others regularly. They view the team's success as their success and value contributions from everyone. They know there is extreme value in diverse perspectives. With collaboration also comes respect.
Respect: Good team players respect differing opinions and allow open forums to discuss the best options to move forward. They do not criticize others. They ask clarifying questions to get on the same page when needed. Respecting everyone on the team by offering empathy and consideration will help the group and the organization as a whole.
Flexibility: Being rigid in your ways will only hinder the team. Being open-minded, having a growth mindset, and adjusting your approach are key traits of being a good team player. Flexibility also includes stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things to move the team forward. This isn't to say you need to try to sit with a different group in the lunchroom. It's more about being open to new ways of thinking, brainstorming, and taking on additional roles or work when needed.
Supportive: Teamwork is about supporting, elevating, and motivating those around you. Offering support is a clear indication of your commitment to the team. You are consistently lifting each other up, rather than trying to outshine one another.
In the business world, team player often refers to an individual's ability and willingness to work collaboratively and effectively with others in a group setting. Group and team settings require a range of qualities, behaviors, and attitudes that contribute to the overall success of the department and, ultimately, the organization.
The following are some of the most critical attributes of a team player:
Communication skills: Team players are effective communicators if they are open to one another, are active listeners, ask for clarification when needed, and share relevant information and insights that can have a positive impact on the team's goals.
Actively collaborate: Team players share skills and expertise with others regularly. They view the team's success as their success and value contributions from everyone. They know there is extreme value in diverse perspectives. With collaboration also comes respect.
Respect: Good team players respect differing opinions and allow open forums to discuss the best options to move forward. They do not criticize others. They ask clarifying questions to get on the same page when needed. Respecting everyone on the team by offering empathy and consideration will help the group and the organization as a whole.
Flexibility: Being rigid in your ways will only hinder the team. Being open-minded, having a growth mindset, and adjusting your approach are key traits of being a good team player. Flexibility also includes stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things to move the team forward. This isn't to say you need to try to sit with a different group in the lunchroom. It's more about being open to new ways of thinking, brainstorming, and taking on additional roles or work when needed.
Supportive: Teamwork is about supporting, elevating, and motivating those around you. Offering support is a clear indication of your commitment to the team. You are consistently lifting each other up, rather than trying to outshine one another.
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Shared Credit: On a team, credit is shared for tasks, projects, and jobs well done. Celebrating each other's achievements and successes helps build strong teams. There is a certain level of humility required on a team. Individuals do not seek out personal recognition; they understand that the successes achieved are genuinely a shared effort. To get to a place of shared credit, team members must also be reliable and have a positive attitude.
Dependability: Being dependable shows your teammates that you are dedicated to their success as well as your own. Continuing to show up with a positive attitude is contagious. It can really inspire others or help them out of a rut. |
"Being dependable shows your teammates that you are dedicated to their success as well as your own." ~ J.D.C. |
Ask yourself these questions: “Who does my calendar say I am working for, myself or my team? Am I mentoring anyone? Can I be? How am I showing up?” This will really help you understand what kind of team member you are at the moment. Reflect on these questions and make adjustments if necessary.
Being a team player is about commitment. The commitment is not just about the job, role, or task you are assigned to. It's a much deeper commitment. It's about showing up, being fully present and actively engaged, and continuously providing input to help the team progress. It takes a great deal of "individual" commitment. That individual commitment is not for oneself; it's for the team. After all, who's going to carry the boat?
- What does your calendar say? Look at the meetings and the work you have blocked out. Who does it serve the most? You or others? If the work you have blocked out is primarily self-serving, it may be time to course correct and start planning how you can help those around you more. What can you start doing today to help your team achieve greater success?
- Are you mentoring others? You may think this is not your job, that it's a leader's role to be a mentor. Think again. Team players mentor each other all the time. If you are a subject matter expert (SME) in one area, it would be highly beneficial to mentor anyone on the team interested in your area of expertise. This helps the team grow its experts, which in turn helps the organization even more.
- How do you show up? When you come to work, do you bring positive energy, or are you looking to unload your burdens? When you keep a positive attitude, it helps others stay positive as well. You have an opportunity to turn negative situations into learning opportunities for others.
Being a team player is about commitment. The commitment is not just about the job, role, or task you are assigned to. It's a much deeper commitment. It's about showing up, being fully present and actively engaged, and continuously providing input to help the team progress. It takes a great deal of "individual" commitment. That individual commitment is not for oneself; it's for the team. After all, who's going to carry the boat?
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Dr. Jenipher D. Cornelius is an expert in organizational change management, leadership development consulting, adjunct professorship, and curriculum development. With a doctorate in strategic leadership and a master's in business administration, Jenipher has over 20 years of experience in finance and operations and is a reliable authority in leading organizations through significant changes. In addition to her change management experience, Jenipher also specializes in facilitating virtual and in-person leadership development workshops.
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