Why Favorable Peer References Matter

Carlos Zambrano was recently fired as pitcher from the Chicago Cubs for essentially being difficult. His bosses reported unpleasant encounters with him. They sought feedback from his peers who also found him disruptive and combative. They simply didn’t like working with Carlos who, they felt, didn’t understand that there is no “I” in TEAM.

For those of us in the regular work world, we simply must accept that what people think of us matters. Your peers are arguably in the best position to know not only the quality of your work but also the attitude you bring to the plate. Furthermore, their opinion is often sought by hiring managers. If the opinions of your former employers and personal references don’t match that of your peers, it could be considered a red flag and even cost you your job.

Here’s the point: the work product or number of “wins” is not the only thing to consider but HOW you get things done. If you break a lot of glass and burn a lot of bridges, you can undermine whatever good output comes from your efforts.

So how do you become a better team player at the office? If you think co-workers may perceive you as “difficult” and “not all that,” it’s time to take action. Here are some suggestions.

• Show interest in others around the water cooler;
• Compliment co-workers on their successes;
• Participate in company social events and outings;
• Engage in active listening: let others know if you don’t agree with them but do so in a respectful way;
• Be willing to take on extra tasks, and complete the work on-time without fanfare;
• Demonstrate flexibility: it doesn’t always have to be your way or the highway.

Being known as a team player is critical. What other ways can you demonstrate that you are a team player?