Team Goals: Being an Effective Team Player

Soccer is a global sport with 4 billion fans or half of the world knowing it. Last December, for the third time (since 1978 and 1986), Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar by beating France in a penalty shootout.

If you are familiar with the sport yourself, you know for a fact that to seal a winning moment, one has to score a goal.

SOCCER AND LIFE

With its symbolic meaning, goals in soccer are similar with goals in life. We may run the full course of life yet achieving nothing. We may accomplish some or more than what we hoped for but there is no 100% assurance of making it big just by letting fate do the rest.

We tend to have an insatiable wanting to be more than we currently have. More wealth, more fame, more friends, etc. However when our goal is accomplished another one takes its place.

What is very inspiring in this sport is how a goal is credited. A goal is achieved with the combined efforts of all players. Forwards are highlighted by the mass but deep in the organization, all players knew that it takes 11 players to score one goal.

In social life, it is important to play as a team, but one should possess attributes that will benefit the group. Being a team player not only for team sports but for those around us is beneficial. We become a part of something, quenching our basic human instict - the need to belong.

10 WAYS TO BE A GOOD TEAM PLAYER

Here are 10 points to become an effective team member:

1. Good communicator. A successful team relies on effective communication. Listen actively, express your ideas clearly, and ask questions as needed.

2. Be reliable. Show up on time, meet deadlines, and stick to your promises. If you won't be able to meet a deadline, let people know ahead of time.

3. Respect others. Even if you disagree with your teammates, treat them with dignity and respect. Avoid gossip and discussing things behind people's backs.

4. Be helpful. When you see a teammate struggling, be proactive in offering your assistance. This demonstrates that you are invested in the success of the team rather than just your own.

5. Broadmindedness. Be open to new ideas and perspectives. Keep an open mind to new ideas and perspectives. Recognize that everyone has something to offer and that you can learn from your colleagues.

6. Problem-solver. Instead of dwelling on issues or pointing fingers, collaborate to find solutions to problems. Do not blame others or find a scapegoat, this usually ruins the spirit of camaraderie.

7. Credit-giver. Give credit to whom it is due. When the team achieves a goal, take the time to celebrate and thank everyone for their contributions. This boosts morale and encourages the team to keep working together.

8. Avoid jealousy. Jealousy is the most destructive emotion in a team. By being grateful for what you have, you can avoid sowing this seed in your heart. Knowing what you can and cannot do can help you avoid this negative emotion.

9. Support others. Extending a helping hand to someone in need not only brings us joy, but it also gives us value. We are not always at our best; down times are excellent opportunities to strengthen friendships and ties with others.

10. Good listener. When someone opens up to us, we don't always need to say anything. He just needs someone to listen to his problems and someone to cry on.

Remember that we are social beings. We need one another for us to survive. Start building bridges than walls. There are much more positive things that will come along the way if we kept being a good team player. Just like the body, when all parts are working together, we can do more.