Ok – so last week we discussed what a team player “looks like.” Let’s carry that a step further and dig into what active team participation means. Would a relay team be successful with one “bum leg”? Doubtful. Every runner must do his/her part for the team to have a chance at winning. The same goes for “bum” team members.  If it’s not all hands on deck, this “ship” is likely to go down. Being an effective team player means more than simply playing well with others. To be a truly integral, impactful part of the crew calls for the gumption to own up, to step up, to speak up - to participate fully and be all in. Own up Team players understand the need to “own up” whether it was a goof - minor or major - an idea that flopped, a direction that went south, or a lack of focus. Whatever. Want to sour your comrades on your participation on the team? Play the blame game. Seriously, no one is perfect so own up and take responsibility for your actions and attitudes. And when your idea proves to be brilliantly successful, bask for a moment then graciously share the accomplishment with the rest of the team. Step up Take the initiative. Get the ball rolling. Rally the troops. A teammate who doesn’t sit back and wait for the other guys to get down to business will quickly rise in the ranks when it comes to “choosing up teams.” This go-getter volunteers to take the tougher assignments or do the extra legwork. No one will wonder if this guy or gal is fully engaged because their enthusiasm will not easily be contained. Be the kind of teammate that makes things happen Speak up Team members aren’t meant to be silent partners. Or “yes” men/women. It’s imperative that each teammate willingly, openly shares thoughts and opinions even when their comments go against the majority. And that elephant sucking all the oxygen out of the room? Someone has to name it, with tact of course, so the group can address and resolve the situation. It might seem easier to swallow a protest or bite your lip until the urge to speak up passes. You know, to take the path of least resistance. But holding back on important issues won’t help the team. It takes courage to resist the temptation to not “rock the boat.” If the boat needs to be rocked, be man or woman enough to rock it. At the same time, learn not to sweat the small stuff. Not every issue is a major concern to labor over endlessly. Be flexible and open-minded enough to learn from the style, approach, and viewpoints of others. The best teammates operate from the approach that continually asks, “What contribution can I make to help the team achieve success?” At MPS Technology our team is expertly trained to meet the unique temporary and permanent staffing needs of precision manufacturing while reducing or eliminating many of the associated hiring costs. When you contract with our team, your team can focus more fully on the business. Give us a call today.