The #1 Rule for Being A Great Teammate

Yes, it's a version of the Golden Rule

Photo by Anna Samoylova on Unsplash

The #1 rule is pretty simple: Be the teammate you want your teammates to be.

Simple in theory ≠ simple in practice.

To practice better, keep in mind the following:

1. If you're not willing to go first, why should they? (See the #1 rule)

2. Your team's manager/leader is your teammate, too. What if they're doing their best and pinched in the middle, just like you? (See the #1 rule)

3. Your team (as opposed to your workgroup) is composed of people you know and care about. You probably know the names of the beings they care about and their favorite songs. You may carpool with them. Your kids might play with each other. And they know you, too. Remember that when you’re wondering whether doing the (sometimes) hard work of teaming with them is worth it. (See the #1 rule)

4. You probably wouldn't want your teammates to give up on you, even if they've tried something in the past. (See the #1 rule)

5. You probably already know where to start and what to do. If you don’t, pick the option that requires the most courage. (See the #1 rule)

p.s. I’ve been waiting to publish more here until we had some book-related resources to share. I’ve decided to roll forward with what we have and find some other ways to get those resources made since waiting isn’t serving any of us well. Today’s shortie is so we get back in the conversation today rather than waiting another day. (See the #1 rule)