How to Become a Valuable Player

HOW TO BECOME A VALUABLE PLAYER

Business News is Valuable

I always enjoy reading the Phoenix Business Journal. I have a brother who remembers to bring copies whenever he visits.

An editorial Viewpoint* by Greg Barr caught my attention one day. It seems that in our world of technology, "soft skills" are still of concern because they are so lacking.

Jobs for computer techs abound, but recruiters are noticing something amiss. They may have hired the best person for coding or computer-aided design, but there's a distinct lack of teamwork.

Interaction beats Competition

Along with hard tech job skills, employers are beginning to look for active team players. They need people to be able to work together to solve problems, along with their adaptability and dependability.

Promotions often depend on the ability to contribute to group meetings, either verbally or in well-thought-out emails or texts. And now days, knowing how to communicate properly with the opposite sex is also an asset.

We Do Life Together

People enjoy working with approachable team players. Their openness comes from being interested in others' work, not just their own. It's good for the company if employees see the big picture, not just their own jobs.

Centuries ago the same principle held true. The wisdom of the Apostle Paul is clearly expressed in the Amplified translation: "Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not (merely) his own interests, but also each for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4).

Seeing the big picture and being unified in purpose is important not only in business. It also matters in families, classrooms, churches and government.

There's No Success Without "U"

Strive to enhance your hard skills for the occupation of your choice. But don't forget to see the bigger picture along the way.

In the sports world we hear a lot about MVP awards. Work on developing team-enhancing "soft skills" and your company's Most Valuable Player might be you!

*Viewpoint, From the Editor: Time to get tough and work on those soft skills, Phoenix Business Journal, February 22, 2019.