Past actions and decisions often get in the way of “right doing” behavior. By that I mean we avoid doing what is the right thing to do because our past actions were rejected, dismissed or ridiculed. We blame the other for not being receptive and stop trying to assist. Or worse yet, we knowingly let them walk down a path of failure to prove the point they should have been asking for help in the first place.

Being a team player is staying focused on the team rather than our individual selves. Leaders must overcome damaged egos and continue to do the right thing for the sake of the team. This isn’t as easy to do as it is to say. The ego has only one mission and that is its survival.

As a leader you will eventually reach a level that doing the right thing must be the path chosen. One way to keep yourself on the right path is to surround yourself with team members that hold you accountable to the team first. I read a quote once that said, “Those that fail to seek the consul of others will surely fail.” If you’ve chosen the right team members, they will hold you accountable for doing the right thing. And the responsibility goes both ways, you must hold your team mates accountable.

Are you being a good team player?