The Maxwell Daily Reader’s topic for August 31st is “Becoming More Selfless”. This is an important concept when developing good habits at it pertains to teamwork.  “If you want to be a contributing member of a successful team, you have to put others on the team ahead of yourself.”

The question is: How are you when it comes to taking a backseat to others?

I was watching the show, “The Big Bang Theory” and one character (Leonard) admitted to NOT having leadership skills but suggested a way to do something more efficient. Instead of trying to work on something in freezing temperature, why not work on it inside, then bring it out when its ready? The self-proclaimed team leader (Sheldon) pondered the suggestion and replied, “I hadn’t thought of that.” And they all grouped up their things and left the cold test environment.

My point is: Sometimes a great leader may not be in the forefront – but still lead from the middle – as in Maxwell’s book “The 360 degree Leader”.  Being a great team leader may not mean speaking your mind, but speaking your mind if the time and the situation is right. In other words – take a backseat.

If someone else gets credit for the work you do – does it bother you? I know several people who ‘want the credit’.

The other day I watched someone demonstrate something I could do better (in my opinion). But he was so happy demonstrating, people were enjoying it, so I sat back and enjoyed the moment and kept my mouth shut. I’ve learned sometimes when you ask for credit, it leads to more responsibility that you may not want or enjoy. Know that you do something well, despite the lack of credit, and move on.

Always promote someone other than yourself.

I have recently gotten into ’sales’ for an exclusive and private health club. As I was making a ’sales pitch’ to a customer about the classes and the trainers, which includes myself, one of the trainers walked up and I immediately turned the attention on that person. “This is one of our boxing trainers and she was the Canadian Golden Gloves Champion in 2010″. The guy’s mouth opened up and was like – wow.  Would tooting my own horn help ’sell’ what I wanted to sell? Probably not – the customer could care less about me – but was more interested of someone else I was promoting!

She didn’t have to say a word – just stand there and she was of celebrity status. The customer didn’t ask questions directed to her to try and discredit her because I put her on a pedestal. Try promoting yourself – the customer will probably ask questions (subconsciously trying to discredit your expertise) but promote someone else, they just accept it and feel priveledged to meet them.

Find positive things to say about people’s actions and qualities! That’s key in team work!

Related Articles:
“Improve your personal effectiveness 60 seconds a day”
“Improve your life – Validation that leads to self-improvement”
“Improve your life – Don’t give up!”
“A successful life does not come without failure“

Share on Facebook