7 Things Good Teammates Do That Go Unnoticed—But Shouldn’t

Retired educators tend to remember the students who caused them problems yet forget the ones who did not. Why educators remember difficult students is understandable. Those students gave them more stress and usually occupied more of their time. What is it like to have great teammates? 

But for the students who didn’t cause any problems to be overlooked is unfortunate.

The “good” students followed directions, adhered to rules, and conformed to expectations. They made their instructors’ jobs easier by doing things that are appreciated, but often unnoticed.

Good Teammates

Good teammates are similar in that they too engage in beneficial behaviors that go unnoticed. Here are seven things good teammates do that go unnoticed—but shouldn’t. (And by shouldn’t, I don’t mean that good teammates shouldn’t engage in these behaviors; I mean their behaviors shouldn’t go unnoticed. These behaviors are all deserving of recognition.)

7 Things that Are Overlooked

1. They listen to others’ problems. Pent up frustrations lead to busted pipes. Good teammates lend a receptive ear to those who need to vent. These folks curb their teammates’ emotional outbursts by allowing themselves to be sounding boards.
2. They remember important details. They remember birthdates, anniversaries, and other special milestones. These folks also remember details about their teammates’ problems. If the information is important to their teammates, it is important to them.
3. Teammates make connections. They are connectors. They are intentional about connecting their acquaintances with each other for their acquaintances’ benefit. Their motivation to make these connections comes from their desire to help others.
4. They acknowledge good deeds and good work. Good teammates don’t take either of those entities for granted. When another team member engages in praise-worthy actions, they acknowledge their actions with open praise and appreciation.
5. They provide levity. They lighten the mood of stressful environments through laughter and, occasionally, self-deprecating humor. Their humility permits them to laugh at themselves and not be offended by others laughing at their follies.
6. They elevate others’ self-esteem. They are gifted at making the person with whom they are speaking feel special. Team members endear others by empowering each other with confidence. Rare is the occasion when you leave a conversation with a good teammate and not feel better about yourself.
7. They discipline themselves. They espouse the John Wooden mantra of disciplining yourself, so others won’t have to. Having to deal with wayward team members diverts the team leaders’ time and keeps them from focusing on more impactful endeavors.

Summary

If you’ve got someone on your team who engages in any of the above behaviors, don’t allow them to go unnoticed. Express your appreciation and do your best to facilitate their continuance.

As always…Good teammates care, share and listen. Go be a good teammate.

About Lance Loya

Lance Loya is the founder and CEO of the Good Teammate Factory. He is a college basketball coach turned author, blogger, and professional speaker, who inspires TEAMBUSTERS to become TEAMMATES. You can follow him on Twitter, Facebook, or through his weekly Teammate Tuesday blog.

About iSport360

For more information about iSport360, click here.