Every team has a weak link. Is it you? Of course not ... unless it is. All kidding aside, the point here isn’t to point fingers, it’s for all of us to look deep inside, be honest, and work to improve as a team member. So let’s address what is often unaddressed—things like communication, openness to feedback, willingness to help and other key team behaviors.
Take the following self-assessment by rating yourself on each of the following statements:
| Poor | Fair | Average | Good | Excellent | |
| 1. I lead by example with work ethic and attitude. |
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| 2. I am open to team member feedback. | |||||
| 3. I give my team ample access to me. | |||||
| 4. I celebrate team successes. | |||||
| 5. I share credit with my team. | |||||
| 6. I’m quick to accept a share of the blame. | |||||
| 7. I provide my team with training opportunities. |
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| 8. I am empathetic to team member personal challenges. |
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| 9. I help others even when I’m busy. | |||||
| 10. I contribute to a positive office culture. | |||||
| 11. I am quick to compliment my team members. | |||||
| 12. I deliver negative feedback in a constructive manner. |
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| 13. I avoid gossip and personal attacks. | |||||
| 14. I strive to know my team members personally. | |||||
| 15. I allow team members to know me personally. | |||||
| 16. I take time for occasional after-hours socializing with my team. |
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| 17. I am known for being open and honest. | |||||
| 18. I thrive on seeing team members advance their careers. |
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| 19. I have an obvious passion for my career. | |||||
| 20. I live by the same rules I create. |
Now that you’re done, highlight your “Excellent” and your “Poor” ratings. There are now two questions to ask. How can I amplify the “Excellent,” by doing more of these behaviors that make you special as a team member? Second, how can you mitigate your “Poor" ratings? These are likely holding your team back from providing great service, gathering new clients, and creating an enjoyable work atmosphere. Elite teams thrive on the mantra "A little better every day."
@StephenBoswell is president of The Oechsli Institute and author of Best Practices of Elite Advisors. @KevinANichols is the chief operating officer of The Oechsli Institute and author of The Indispensable LinkedIn Sales Guide for Financial Advisors.
