Good Teammates are Not Like Opinions -Everybody Doesn't Have One

As a communications manager, I have had the privilege of working with some exceptional individuals who have exemplified what it means to be a good office teammate. Whether we were colleagues, or I managed them - a good teammate is hard to replace. I feel you go as far as your organization’s environment. Work culture is vital to high-achieving teams. Here are five characteristics that I believe are essential in fostering a positive work environment:

1. Collaboration:

Collaboration is the goal of every team assembled. Good teammates not only embrace working together they prefer it. One of my favorite teammates was Mr. Dawson. He came into my office as an intern and left as a full-fledged Communications Specialist. His biggest attribute was his ability to bring people and projects together. A good teammate is willing to work together with others to achieve common goals. They understand the importance of pooling resources and ideas to produce the best possible outcome.

2. Communication:

It's funny to me how sometimes the communications office is the least communicative. We know how to communicate with the public and stakeholders, but we don't use the same methods in our offices. Effective communication is key in any team setting. A good teammate can express their thoughts and ideas clearly, while also actively listening to others and providing constructive feedback. As a manager, it is your job to foster open communication among your staff. My favorite manager, Mrs. Collier, always held communication in top regard. She was well-organized and her vision of the office was never in question.

3. Reliability:

Dependability is crucial in a team environment. A good office teammate is someone who can be counted on to follow through on their commitments and meet deadlines consistently. Mrs. Gomez was a former employee I managed, she was a pillar of dependability. Her greatest attribute was producing at a high level consistently. Her deliverables were always superior to our competition, and always underpromised and over-delivered.

4. Adaptability:

In the fast-paced world of government communications, things can change quickly. Having someone who can embrace change and thrive in it - is priceless. Early in my career, I worked in a newsroom as a videographer. Mrs. Moye was a wonderful personification of "cool under pressure". She never let the new cycle rattle her, and she projected confidence thereby making the people around her more calm and productive. A good office teammate is flexible and able to adapt to new situations and challenges with a positive attitude.

5. Supportiveness:

Who has your back on your team? Building each other up and offering support is essential in a team setting. My career mentor Mr. Postma, is a consummate professional, who gave me the details of how to develop my craft. He can read a room and advise every team member, in a kind digestible way. A good office teammate is someone encouraging, empathetic, and willing to lend a helping hand when needed.

The Wrap-Up!

Establishing a positive work culture is crucial to achieving our communications goals. When team members feel valued, supported, and respected, they are more likely to collaborate effectively, communicate openly, and strive for excellence in their work. By embodying these characteristics of a good office teammate, we can create a work environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and success in our communications efforts.

Thomas Y. Lynch

"Always There"

The video was shot, produced, and edited by the VCC Communications team pictured above - (Left to right Thomas Y. Lynch, Steven Burton, Terry Collier, and Justin Collier)