Page 35 - Scholarship Guide Aug 2020

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Always display a respectful attitude towards It is important to always be willing to help your
co-workers, clients and customers. Even if colleagues. Displaying “it’s not my job” attitude
you disagree with another person’s point is the surest way to kill the prospects of a
of view, always treat them politely and strong team. A helpful person often attracts
professionally. When confl icts with coworkers many partners who intentionally desire to
or customers arise, stay calm and try to help join them on key projects and initiatives.
solve problems with an understanding, non- Additionally, when you are helpful to your
judgmental attitude. With experience, you will colleagues, it will also be natural to assist the have made mistakes. No one is perfect and we
recognise that a good attitude makes you more needs of your clients which is the primary goal are all a work in progress. By acknowledging
productive. Studies have shown that when you of every business. and apologising for slip ups, it indicates that
expect positive outcomes, you can turn a bad you are someone who takes ownership and
circumstance into a new opportunity. One of the key traits of a good team player is responsibility of their wrongdoings instead of
someone who is emotionally intelligent. Staying trying to cover them up. All you have to do
On a side note, be equally mindful of your sensitive to the feelings and opinions of others afterwards is work hard on not repeating these
mistakes when they are called out. It is possible is vital when you are in a team. Be respectful mistakes.
to be positive while also looking at potential when listening to their ideas. Refrain from
points for improvement. being quick to criticise, tear apart and negate Being honest also does not mean that we have
the input from others. Most importantly, when to say everything that comes to our mind.
Team Work Makes The Dream Work you encounter disagreements or confl icts with Practising sound judgement and discretion are
We have all probably heard the phrase, colleagues, take time to address it privately and equally important. Pick the right time and place
“teamwork makes the dream work”, and without delay. Sweeping it under the carpet to discuss things that might have a chance of
this rings true. There is power in unity and would only cause growing resentment and the coming across offensive and presumptuous.
diversity. Diversity can come in the form of toxicity may eventually become evident in your
age, background, skill set and experience team. There are also other times when we have good
level. A diverse team brings people together, intentions but may come across in the wrong
creates an inclusive space for knowledge- We leave you with a famous African proverb way. One common example that best illustrates
transfer and allows colleagues to rely on each which says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If this is when we overpromise and undeliver.
other as they work towards common success. you want to go far, go together.” Always strive to be a man/woman of your
Group cohesion also allows you to learn from word. Follow through on your commitments. If
the success and mistakes of your colleagues. Practise Honesty & Integrity Daily unsure, do not commit to anything that you are
It further provides individuals with learning This is an underrated factor and people often unable to complete.
opportunities and adds to your experiences. assume it as an obvious given in any situation.
Teamwork improves the communication Good character is invaluable. Employees with Ultimately, having a strong moral compass
lines between members. It facilitates an integrity are both reliable and dependable. They creates a positive work culture which translates
open discussion which allows each member can be trusted to do the right thing even when into diplomatic relations between employees.
to be adequately informed about a project. nobody is watching them. They demonstrate Furthermore, it promotes customer loyalty as
Moreover, when you are part of a team, you sound moral and ethical principles which are clients fi nd concrete reasons to trust you (over
make decisions that benefi t the group at large, highly valuable in any credible organisation. your competitors) with their needs. As we
even if it means that certain individuals need to One of the ways to uphold such character have heard countless times, honesty is truly
make sacrifi ces for the greater good. is to simply not be afraid to admit when you the best policy.