“Teamwork makes the dream work.” Whether this was posted in the locker room when you were in high school or used in various sports movies, this catchphrase brought inspiration to teams. However, it’s not just for the locker room, it applies to the office as well. Being coachable and a team player around your workplace can lead your company to success.

But what exactly makes a great team member? Caliper works closely with the NBA to determine what qualities set the top college basketball players apart from the rest of the draft class. Attributes like extreme talent, physical dominance, and determination allowed players to make it to the top. However, the studies Caliper conducted found more undeniable qualities that make a great team player.

Resilience & Level-Headedness

Caliper’s research showed that resilience and level-headedness was a general personality trait amongst stellar athletes. Their ability to overcome adversity is what makes them dedicated to their craft. Coaching comes with criticism, so being able to shoulder it with a level head makes you a valuable member to any office or team. Leaders within your squad need to inspire resilient and level-headed players.

Resilience and level-headedness existed for seasoned NBA veterans as well. Those who had a higher career free throw percentage demonstrated great resilience. They were able to block out the crowd noise and distractions night-in and night-out. It can translate to your workers, too. Compared to an impressive free throw percentage, resilience in the office can be learning from mistakes made on past projects so players can provide immediate solutions the next time around.

Research has shown players with a low turnover rate showed level-headedness and dedication to their craft. A low turnover rate comes from hard work in practice, where players are less likely to turn the ball over when the opposition pressures them. In the workplace, resilience shows itself as handling difficult questions from a client or co-worker. Working through those questions will demonstrate their dedication to providing excellent answers.

Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is one of the most critical and essential qualities to have for a team to be successful. Practice makes perfect. Athletes dedicate their time and energy to honing their craft. Great employees who practice self-discipline are destined to succeed. If your management and leaders in your organization are self-disciplined, the rest of your workforce will follow.

Cultivating an office of self-disciplined workers can be difficult. There are a handful of tactics you can take. Below are a couple of ideas you should introduce so your workers become better at what they do.

  • Communicate: Clear communication is a great way to spark self-discipline and leadership. Team members need to know their roles within the organization. Spending time talking with them will ensure everyone on the team is on the same page.
  • Recognize: One way to motivate your employees and promote self-discipline is to recognize desired behaviors publicly. If you see a team member stepping up to take over for someone, praise them. Showing appreciation and providing guidance will only spark more initiative and drive.

Whether it’s meeting deadlines or providing prompt and clear responses to clients and co-workers, diligence and discipline are premier qualities any manager seeks out. Great athletes demonstrate self-discipline as well. They are the first ones in the locker room and the last one to leave practice. Your top players are the ones who make the most of their time in the office and continually help out where they can.

Managers in today’s modern business world should treat their roles like coaches. Demonstrating and helping players along the way is how you can grow an empowered team.

Looking to improve the coaching in your organization? Work with Caliper! Have some questions about how our assessments can help your company? Contact us!

Quality players are essential for a successful team. So make sure your players commit to their work!