3 Simple Ways to Go Beyond Team Player

Are you an administrative professional who is so focused on your own job that you forget you are part of a team?  Consider these three critical steps to creating a stronger team environment.  These tips will help you move beyond being an average team player.

1. Draw on the Strengths of Others.  Administrative professionals are known for having varied talents and skills.  Ready for a mindset shift?  Avoid the tendency to compare yourself to others.  Focus on your own strengths.  Leverage the collective strengths of others to accomplish impossible tasks.  It can be lonely when you try to do everything on your own.
2. Listen with heart.  The power of listening to others can give you insights you hadn’t considered.  This quote by David Hockney says it best, “Listening is a positive act.  You have to put yourself out to do it.”  It’s amazing what you can learn about yourself and others if you open your mind and listen to what’s being said before you dismiss their thought.  Challenge yourself, it will take patience.  Changing this one small behavior can be powerful!

3. Build Relationships and Extend Your Network.  Don’t always wait for other people to come to you.  I am a true believer that what you give will return tenfold.  Be genuine and treat everyone the way you want to be treated.  Create new opportunities to establish and build relationships.  It takes time, but it will build your reputation and credibility.  Most importantly, people will trust your word and value your input.

Remember everyone loves to be acknowledged for a job well done.  When you take the initiative to recognize a fellow administrative professional, this goes a long way to deepen rapport.  A quick note of thanks can go a long way!  Don’t forget to add a detail or two of how someone contributed to your success. The “golden rule” still applies, be genuine and treat others the way you want to be treated. Wishing you and your team much success! Linda