3 Being a Team Player

Basics

Can you imagine watching a baseball game where one player refused to be part of the team?  The other 8 players on the field could be the best ever, but the team would not be successful.  That one player would be a barrier to the entire team's success.  

You are a part of one or more teams when you work for a school district.  You may be part of an IT team.  You are part of a building team when you are helping within that building.  You are always part of the district team.  It is up to you to decide if you will be a barrier to your team's success, or if you work to become a seamless part of a team that successfully tackles all challenges that present themselves.  

Be sure to explore the following sub-topics that make being a team player even easier:

You should know the following terms:

  • Team
  • Professional communication

As a team player in a school district, there are several characteristics you strive towards:

  • Understanding the district, building, classroom, and user needs and why.
  • Knowing how your skills contribute to the overall picture.
  • Supporting and encouraging other members of your team.
  • Offering help when someone is challenged by a task that is your strength.
  • Providing creative yet viable solutions to group problems and obstacles.

Being able to communicate professionally, clearly and effectively contributes to success with all of these characteristics.  

Here are additional resources you may find useful:

Complete the following task or self-assessment:

Identify the following:

  • About you:
    • What strengths will/do you bring to your team?
    • What one or two areas do you need to work on? 
  • List one or two of your team members who has strength in each of the characteristics listed, along with if they are part of your department, building or district.
    • Knowledge: Understands the district/building structure and needs; understands classroom needs
    • Balance: For a task, knows when to offer their knowledge/skills, and knows when to defer to others
    • Encourager: Supports and encourages other team members
    • Helping: Offers help, even before being asked
    • Problem solver: Consistently provides possible solutions to problems or barriers that arise.