Qualities of a Team Player - INTENTIONAL

We are continuing our growth by developing teamwork skills utilizing the lessons contained in John C. Maxwell’s book titled The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player. This book carries the subtitle “Becoming the kind of person every team wants”. Developing a better team always begins with the individuals. To improve the team, improve the individuals on the team.

Quality #10: Intentional - make every action count.

"You've got to think about 'big things' while you're doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction." - Alvin Toffler

What does it mean to be intentional? It means working with purpose - making every action count.

It's about focusing on doing the right things, moment to moment, day to day, and then following through with them in a consistent way.

Anyone who desires to live with intentionality will have to do the following:

1. Have a Purpose Worth Living For
   1. Being intentional begins with a sense of purpose.
   2. "Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to, when all they need is one reason why they can." - Willis R. Whitney
2. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses
   1. The truth is that people like to do what they're good at. Playing to your strengths rekindles your passions and renews your energy.
   2. You can't be intentional and effectively focused if you don't know yourself.
3. Prioritize Your Responsibilities
   1. Once you know the why of your life, it becomes much easier to figure out the what and when.
   2. "One is not born into the world to do everything, but to do something." - Henry David Thoreau
4. Learn to Say No
   1. But you can't accomplish much without focus.
   2. If you try to do every good thing that comes your way, you won't excel at what you were made to do.
   3. Your goal should be to spend 80% of your time and effort on what brings high return to you and your team.
5. Commit Yourself to Long-Term Achievement
   1. ...most victories in life are achieved through small, incremental wins sustained over time. Being wiling to dedicate yourself long-term to the process of achievement, instead of to its immediate rewards, will enable you to be more intentional.
   2. The longer the time period you can plan with intentionality, the more you can get done.

To improve your intentionality:

• Explore your strengths and weaknesses
• Specialize in your specialty
• Plan your calendar with purpose

Donald G Rosenbarger
Senior Vice President
Delta Companies Inc