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The Playbook for Being the Teammate Everyone Wants
Last week we talked about how getting along isn’t just some feel-good idea; it’s how we win. It’s what makes this place a thriving community for our residents, a great place to work, and a solid investment. But knowing it’s important and actually doing it are two different things.
So, let’s get specific. It’s easy to look around and point fingers, to see what everyone else is doing wrong. But that’s a loser’s game. The only person you can truly control is you. This isn’t about fixing other people. It’s about fixing your own approach. It’s about deciding, speaking, and acting in a way that builds the tribe, not tears it down.
What Do YOU Decide?
Before you even open your mouth, you’ve got to make a choice. This is your mental shift.
- Decide to assume good intent. This is a big one. It’s easy to think someone’s being difficult on purpose. What if they’re not? What if they’re just having a bad day, or they misunderstood something? When you start from a place of “they meant well,” it changes everything.
- Decide to be part of the solution, not the problem. When a problem pops up, your first thought shouldn’t be “Whose fault is this?” It should be “How do we fix this?” Stop looking for someone to blame and start looking for a way forward.
- Decide to own your mistakes. We all mess up. The moment you can say, “My bad, I dropped the ball on that,” you build trust. It shows you’re accountable and you respect your teammates enough to be honest.
What Do YOU Say?
Words matter. A lot. Here’s how you can use them to build the team up.
- Be a pro at the handoff. When you’re passing a task to someone, don’t just dump it on them. Say, “Hey, I’ve finished my part on the Baker’s lease renewal in 302. I left all the info in the file. Let me know if you need anything from me.” It’s clear, respectful, and shows you’re a teammate.
- Acknowledge and appreciate. It takes two seconds to say “Thanks for catching that” or “Hey, great job with that resident issue, I heard you handled it perfectly.” A little positive feedback goes a long way. Make it a habit.
- Frame criticism as a question. If you need to point out an issue, don’t lead with a command. Try, “Hey, on that service request, could we try doing X instead? It might save us time down the road.” It’s collaborative, not confrontational.
How Do YOU Act?
Your actions speak volumes, often louder than your words.
- Be reliable. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Every time. Your teammates need to know they can count on you. Being a reliable partner is the foundation of any good team.
- Don’t let problems fester. If you see something that’s wrong, don’t ignore it hoping someone else will deal with it. Whether it’s a piece of trash in the hallway or a resident with a frustrated look on their face, take the initiative. Your actions set an example for everyone else.
- Listen more than you talk. You’ve got two ears and one mouth for a reason. Before you jump in with your opinion, truly listen to what your teammate is saying. Understand their perspective. That simple act shows respect and will make them more likely to listen to you.
The reality is, our team is only as strong as its weakest link, but it’s also only as strong as our collective effort to build it up. Forget what everyone else needs to do. Focus on your decisions, your words, and your actions. That’s how you become the teammate everyone wants, and that’s how we make this tribe the best it can be.
