It was the year 2009. I was just finishing up my graduation at Tamilnadu Engineering College, Coimbatore. The campus interviews were round the corner and each one of us was preparing to showcase our best. We were told to prepare a ‘good resume’ which we had no clue of.
While we started recollecting keywords uttered by soft-skills trainers, I included the term - team player.
My definition of a good team player then, was to be able to get along with a group of people and it was only later did I realize its meaning in the true sense.
I started my first job in a Mumbai-based organization in June 2009 through direct recruitment process and within 3 months, I was selected for the ‘new joinee – best team player’ award. I was awestruck!
It gave me great confidence that I was on the right track! Later, I learnt that team player is one who
- Helps teammates
- Coordinates with all
- Takes ownership
- Spreads positivity
The first lesson that I learnt in my professional life is that ‘the better we coordinate, the better are the results’.
One rule that I have been following till date is to enter the work place with a smile emulating positivity, setting aside worries.
Within 2 years of joining the organization, I learnt to take along a team of 8 people. It realized that team management is the next step to being a team player.
Team management, according to me, is envisioning the professional growth of each team member. It is much more than just achieving targets. To manage a team effectively, a well-charted out plan is essential.
Here are my tips
- Pick up the good qualities from each team member
- Accept ideas which are good for the organization
- Understand constraints, if any.
- Strive to maintain high EQ
- Build trust among team members
- Own up results of individual actions
- Be generous with your appreciation and do it on time.
In 2017, I took up the role of field sales in the international express industry. I had delivered my baby just four months back, but the offer was too good to refuse. I was the first woman to join their South region team and I held my head up in pride! On the job. I learnt the nuances of coordinating with different departments. I was able to rope-in two more ladies to join the field sales team and I was absolutely trilled!
As a team leader, here are my take-aways
- Take along every team member because for the team to grow, the individual should grow.
- It is always wise to suggest your thoughts to team members, but justify it with facts and figures.
- Knowledge-sharing is the key.
- Delegate responsibilities and don’t interfere midway.
- Constant communication helps
Now on job with Propel Industries, I wish to chisel myself more as a professional, be a good team player, always.
~ Sri Nivetha R.
