Top 10 Takeaways from The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player by John Maxwell
The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player by John Maxwell is a book that outlines the key qualities that make a successful team player. In this article, we will summarize the top 10 takeaways from the book.
1. **Respect**. Team players respect themselves, their teammates, and their leaders. They are polite and courteous, and they treat everyone with dignity.
2. **Responsibility**. Team players are responsible for their own work and for the success of the team. They are reliable and dependable, and they always follow through on their commitments.
3. **Cooperation**. Team players are willing to cooperate with others and put the team’s goals ahead of their own. They are good listeners and they are able to work effectively with others.
4. **Communication**. Team players are good communicators. They are able to express themselves clearly and concisely, and they are able to listen to others effectively.
5. **Trust**. Team players are trustworthy. They are honest and reliable, and they keep their word.
6. **Integrity**. Team players have integrity. They do the right thing even when it is difficult. They are honest and ethical, and they set a good example for others.
7. **Accountability**. Team players are accountable for their actions. They take responsibility for their mistakes and they learn from them. They are willing to be held accountable for their work.
8. **Initiative**. Team players take initiative. They are proactive and they are always looking for ways to improve the team. They are not afraid to step up and take charge.
9. **Dependability**. Team players are dependable. They can be counted on to do their work on time and to the best of their ability. They are reliable and trustworthy.
10. **Positivity**. Team players are positive. They have a positive attitude and they are always looking for the good in every situation. They are encouraging and supportive, and they create a positive atmosphere in the workplace.
II. Qualities of a Team Player
Respect
Responsibility
Cooperation
Communication
Trust
Integrity
Accountability
Initiative
Dependability
Positivity
3. Cooperation
Cooperation is the ability to work together with others towards a common goal. Team players are able to put aside their own personal agendas and work for the good of the team. They are able to compromise and find solutions that work for everyone involved.
Cooperation is essential for teamwork because it allows teams to achieve more than they could ever achieve on their own. When team members work together, they can pool their resources, share ideas, and come up with solutions that are better than anything any one person could come up with on their own.
In addition, cooperation helps to create a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. When team members work together, they develop a sense of trust and respect for each other. This makes them more likely to go the extra mile for each other and to support each other’s success.
4. Communication
Communication is essential for teamwork. Team members need to be able to communicate effectively with each other in order to work together effectively. This includes being able to share ideas, ask questions, and resolve conflicts. Team members also need to be able to communicate with clients and customers in a clear and concise way.
5. Trust
Trust is essential for teamwork. When team members trust each other, they are more likely to be open and honest with each other, share ideas, and cooperate. Trust also builds confidence and allows team members to take risks.
There are a number of things that team members can do to build trust, including:
- Being honest and trustworthy themselves
- Being open and sharing information
- Being supportive and reliable
- Keeping confidences
- Being fair and impartial
When team members trust each other, they are able to work together more effectively and achieve their goals.
6. Integrity
Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Team players with integrity are trustworthy and reliable. They can be counted on to do what they say they will do, and they always act in a way that is consistent with their values. Integrity is essential for team players because it builds trust and credibility. When team members know that they can trust each other, they are more likely to work together effectively and achieve their goals.
7. Accountability
Accountability is the willingness to take responsibility for your own actions and to be held accountable for the results of those actions. A team player is accountable to their team members, their leaders, and themselves. They are willing to admit when they make mistakes and to learn from them so that they can improve their performance in the future.
Accountability is an essential quality for team players because it helps to build trust and credibility. When team members know that they can rely on each other to be accountable, they are more likely to work together effectively and to achieve their goals.
There are a number of ways to demonstrate accountability as a team player. One way is to be open and honest about your mistakes. When you make a mistake, don’t try to hide it or blame someone else. Own up to your mistake and be willing to learn from it.
Another way to demonstrate accountability is to follow through on your commitments. When you say you’re going to do something, do it. Don’t make promises that you can’t keep.
Finally, be willing to hold yourself accountable. Don’t just wait for your boss or your team members to tell you what you’re doing wrong. Take the initiative to evaluate your own performance and to identify areas where you can improve.
Accountability is a key quality for team players because it helps to build trust and credibility. When team members know that they can rely on each other to be accountable, they are more likely to work together effectively and to achieve their goals.
Initiative
8. Initiative
Initiative is the ability to take action without being asked. It is the opposite of passivity and procrastination. Team players who are proactive and take initiative are valuable assets to any team. They are always looking for ways to improve things and make the team more successful. They are not afraid to step up and lead when needed.
Initiative is a learned skill. It can be developed by being willing to take risks, being proactive, and always looking for ways to improve. Team players who want to develop their initiative should start by taking on small tasks and projects. They should also be willing to volunteer for extra work and to help out their teammates. As they gain experience, they will become more comfortable taking initiative and will be able to make a greater impact on their team.
Here are some specific examples of how initiative can benefit a team:
- Team players who take initiative can help to identify and solve problems.
- They can also help to improve the team’s efficiency and productivity.
- Initiative can help to create a positive and productive work environment.
- Team players who take initiative can help to motivate and inspire their teammates.
Initiative is a valuable skill for team players to have. It can help them to make a greater impact on their team and to be more successful in their careers.
9. Dependability
Dependability is the quality of being reliable and trustworthy. A dependable team player is someone who can be counted on to do their work on time and to the best of their ability. They are also someone who is honest and trustworthy, and who can be relied upon to keep their word.
Dependable team players are essential to any team, as they help to create a sense of trust and reliability. They also help to ensure that the team’s work is completed on time and to the highest standards.
If you want to be a dependable team player, there are a few things you can do. First, be honest and trustworthy. Always keep your word, and do what you say you are going to do. Second, be reliable. Do your work on time and to the best of your ability. Third, be a team player. Help others, and be willing to share the credit.
By following these tips, you can become a dependable team player and help your team to succeed.