6 Ways To Be A Successful Team Member (#2)

2. Pick Up A Loose End for Someone Else

It's happened; it's the end of the day and everyone is walking out the door. Off to see their spouse, partner, significant other. Off to see their kids participate in some sport. Off to their aerobics class. Or off to the bar for a well needed drink (possibly because of you). Everyone is walking out the door. Everyone but you. You've got a few more things to do.

You offer polite smiles and pleasant "have a nice evenings." Under your breath you're muttering words I cannot write here but this should sum it up: *&$#*&$#!*&$#!

If only someone had offered to stick around and help you finish your work. You'd be out of there in a few minutes.

Well let me ask you this.............When was the last time you offered to help someone out?

Seems so much of what goes in on the workplace comes down to "it's not my job." And if it's not your job, why bother; right? Well maybe you'll earn some respect? Maybe you'll learn a bit more about the company products or services? Maybe you know something that can make that person's job a bit easier? Maybe that person has something to give you? Maybe you will actually look like the team player you say you are? Maybe some new revenue or cost savings idea might come out of it? Maybe...............................Oh go figure the rest out yourself.

But on your way out of the office today tell someone you've got fifteen minutes to help them with something. And if you think that fifteen minutes can be better used on your own work.........why were you leaving so early?

Tomorrow we'll do #3. Click here to learn more about Rich's programs on team building, communications, and other employee issues.


In the meantime here's a little fun item for you that was sent to me yesterday....


HIGH SCHOOL -- 1958 vs. 2008

Scenario 1:
Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck's gun rack.

1958 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.

2008 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario 2:
Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.

1958 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.

2008 - Police called and SWAT team arrives -- they arrest both Johnny and Mark. They are both charged them with assault and both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario 3:
Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students.

1958 - Jeffrey sent to the Principal's office and given a good paddling by the Principal. He then returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.

2008 - Jeffrey is given huge doses of Ritalin. He becomes a zombie. He is then tested for ADD. The school gets extra money from the state because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario 4:
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.

1958 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman.

2008 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself; and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has an affair with the psychologist.

Scenario 5:
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.

1958 - Mark shares his aspirin with the Principal out on the smoking dock.

2008 - The police are called and Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario 6:
Pedro fails high school English.

1958 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.

2008 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English is then banned from core curriculum. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario 7:
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the Fourth of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle and blows up a red ant bed.

1958 - Ants die.

2008 - ATF, Homeland Security and the FBI are all called. Johnny is charged with domestic terrorism. The FBI investigates his parents -- and all siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated. Johnny's dad is placed on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario 8:
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.

1958 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.

2008 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

This should hit every email inbox to show how stupid we have become!!