We is greater than Me. All experienced leaders know this to be the case. As a result, leaders place a high priority on creating a winning culture by building the best team possible. And to do that, you need a collection of great teammates.
One such teammate is Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins. In fact, through the first five games of this year’s NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, he has been the team’s second best player behind Steph Curry. Game 5, in particular, became a defining moment for him.
In the team’s 104-94 victory, Wiggins had 26 points, 13 rebounds, two steals, two assists, and one block. As I read this ESPN article on his performance, I gleaned 8 Signs Of When You Are A Great Teammate.
Klay Thompson said, “I mean, buying in is one of the biggest keys to success in this league, and for what Andrew did tonight, I mean, we don’t get — we don’t get more excited than when Wiggs dunks on somebody. And that really uplifts the whole team and the Bay Area.” We learn four things about being a great teammate from Thompson’s comments:
You Are A Great Teammate When You Buy-in To The Organization’s Mission And Vision
Great teammates put the interests of the organization ahead of their own personal interests. They become catalysts for making the organization’s mission and vision become reality. Great teammates know what their strengths are and have learned how to best leverage them for the success of others.
You Are A Great Teammate When You Can Attract Other Great Teammates
Having a team of great teammates is one of the biggest keys to success in any industry. You simply can’t win with a team full of knuckleheads. You can’t do it. Selfish, irresponsible, and lazy teammates accelerate your organization’s failure.
You Are A Great Teammate When You Celebrate The Success Of Your Other Teammates
I loved how Thompson said how much everyone got excited when Wiggins excels. Most people do a great job weeping with those who weep but often a poor job rejoicing with those who rejoice. Don’t be too quick to pass judgement on these people. How do you respond when a teammate in your department succeeds at a higher level than you are? Are you happy for them or do you become envious?
You Are A Great Teammate When You Uplift The Whole Team
Great teammates put wind in the sails of others. They relieve burdens and lift the loads of their coworkers. Great teammates are the tide which lifts all ships.
We also learn several other lessons on being a great teammate from the article.
You Are A Great Teammate When You Are A Great Fit For The Organization
Many people have the potential to be great teammates but unfortunately, are in less than desirable cultures. These people are diamonds in the rough and great leaders are able to identify them when others can’t. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “But I think it’s a reminder that for every — almost every player in the NBA, circumstances are everything. You kind of need to find the right place, the right teammates, that kind of stuff. Wiggs has been a great fit.”
You Are A Great Teammate When You Are Consistent
You can count on them every day. Their behavior and actions are not bifurcated. They are emotionally reliable and their performance is trustworthy. Curry said, “He’s embraced the challenge of consistency and what he’s capable of doing on both ends of the floor.”
You Are A Great Teammate When You Bring Out The Best In Others
Let’s finish with a couple of thoughts from Andrew Wiggins himself. He said, “I feel like being here, it’s a winning culture. They have won before, and they have dominated the NBA. When I got here, they put you in position to succeed. They always bring out the best in you.”
You Are A Great Teammate When You Are Supportive Of Others
Wiggins concluded, “They want the best for you. You know, supportive.”
After reading why Andrew Wiggins is such a great teammate, would these qualities describe you?
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