College athletics is about performing as a team. That can be seen on and off the field. Just as the quarterback and center must work together so does the athletic director and head coach. The better relationship between the various departments, the better the athletic department performs. Here are a few tips to become a better teammate in the office.
Renew Your Commitment
As the college football season kicks off, programs are all excited to start afresh. Coaches begin a new journey with new players. Fans renew their season tickets. And the promotional banners alert the community of the upcoming season. At work, what can you do to renew your commitment to the athletic department? Join a committee. Wear your school colors out in public. Help coworkers with things outside of work. All are great ways to show your renewed commitment.
Learn About Your Teammate’s Position
In athletics, especially team sports, each person has a position. This position is defined by the role and place on the team. The really great players know the role and place of each position. He/she understands what is being asked of their teammate and uses this to their advantage for the betterment of the team. In the office, know your co-worker’s position. Understand why they are at work and what they are hired to do. By learning more about their job description and capabilities, you can be a better teammate.
Embrace the Younger Teammates
My senior season was approaching, and uniforms were being handed out. I noticed a freshman runner was not at the meeting. I asked him later why he didn’t attend. He answered, “Coach decided to redshirt me.” Knowing he would be gullible, I convinced him that he needed to go pick up his redshirt from coach. Everyone had a good laugh watching him ask coach. From that day forward, he and I got along great. In the office, new employees are always looking to learn the ropes. Be a mentor to a young coworker. Help them learn about the culture of the department. This may not always be for work issues.
Being a better teammate comes from within. Take some time to renew your commitment through joining a committee or simply wearing your gear out in public. Learn about your co-workers’ position so you can better help them. Accept younger employees by mentoring them. The department performs better when people make attempts to be better teammates.