Qualities of a Team Player - SELFLESS

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.

(c) Stuart Miles

Quality #15: Selfless - there is no "I" in team.

"Life should not be estimated exclusively by the standard of dollars and cents. I am not disposed to complain that I have planted and others have gathered the fruits. A man has cause for regret only when he sows and no one reaps." - Charles Goodyear

"When you stop giving and offering something to the rest of the world, it's time to turn out the lights." - George Burns

As a team member, how do you cultivate an attitude of selflessness?

Begin by doing the following:

1. Be Generous
   1. St. Francis of Assisi stated, "All getting separates you from others; all giving unites you to others."
   2. The heart of selflessness is generosity.
   3. If team members are willing to give of themselves generously to the team, then it is being set up to succeed.
   4. Writer John Bunyan maintained, "You have not lived today successfully unless you've done something for someone who can never repay you."
2. Avoid Internal Politics
   1. One of the worst forms of selfishness can be seen in people who are playing politics on the team.
   2. That usually means posturing or positioning themselves for their own benefit, regardless of how it might damage relationships on the team.
   3. Albert Einstein observed, "A person first starts to live when he can live outside of himself."
3. Display Loyalty
   1. If you show loyalty to the people on your team, they will return loyalty in kind.
   2. Loyalty fosters unity and unity breeds team success.
   3. If you get bumped from the "starting lineup" of your team, do you shout, pout, or tough it out?
4. Value Interdependence Over Independence
   1. Seneca asserted, "No man can live happily who regards himself alone, who turns everything to his own advantage. You must live for others if you wish to live for yourself."

To become more selfless:

• Promote someone other than yourself
• Take a subordinate role
• Give secretly

Donald G Rosenbarger
Senior Vice President
Delta Companies Inc