130. What do you take credit for?

There’s a key difference between team sports and individual sports.

The individual gets the result and gets the trophy.

A team that gets the result gets the trophy. The players, even the star players, share the credit.

It’s not how many points you scored, or saved, but whether your team scored more than your opponents that matters.

The result.

Individuals don’t need to help others, they need to help themselves. Teams need to help each other.

At work, you’re part of a team.

You’re a player.

Even if you’re a star player, you share the credit for the results.

Your effort isn’t enough on its own.

Your leadership training as a worker should be putting your focus on that result, not on getting attention for yourself.

Frame your achievement as the team’s achievement. Step back and see how the whole outcome works.

Find someone who plays a part in the results and help them do better.

It might be as simple as a word of encouragement.

It might also be to help them solve a problem. Handle a difficult co-worker. A difficult customer. Fix a mistake. Get to a meeting on time. Finish a meeting on time. Answer a call. Cover for them while they take a break. Give feedback.

The list is endless, but the task is important.

The habit is vital for leaders.

“…Individuals don’t need to help others, they need to help themselves. Teams need to help each other.…”

What’s a team result that you’re part of?

Who else do you know who plays a part in the same achievement?

Even a small role. Or one that only matters if they don’t do their job right. Maintenance, security, quality control.

Can you help them in any way?

Even just encouragement?

Or by giving some of your time to help them do their job better.

Do you focus on the team’s results not just your own?

When the results come, can you see anyone you’ve helped get credit for their work?

Is the achievement of the team more important than the attention you get?

What do you take credit for?

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“I might be wrong, but at least I’ve thought about it…”