Athlete Traits In The Workplace

We all have our favorite athletes. Those players who just seem to always get the job done in some of the most trying circumstances. They make no excuses for themselves even when it seems their back is against a wall. They find a way to get a "W" for their team no matter what it takes. With most fans, infatuation is where this fan-player relationship stops. I am here to challenge you to embrace the admirable traits of your beloved athletes and incorporate them into your work routine.

What many people don't realize or acknowledge, it the ability to learn from the sports stars they look up to. Peyton Manning doesn't display qualities that are unique to just football players. Below I have a compiled a list of athlete qualities that can be harnessed and turned into productivity in the workplace environment.

1. Athletes know how to work in a team environment. They know how to put their team's best interest above their own. Sometimes this means they must perform a role that may not necessarily be their favorite or the one that gets the most praise. They still do this anyways.

2. Athletes practice a skill over and over until it is perfected. They know that if they work at something long enough, it will be mastered. They also don't accept anything under mastery. If TOny Gonzalez catches 9 out of 10 passes, he is going to work harder to make sure next time it is 10 out of 10.

3. Athletes know when to take direction from others. Sometimes even the greatest players have to take a step back and follow others. David Ortiz isn't going to jump into a race car and tell Jeff Gordon he doesn't need his advice because he knows what he's doing. We are all put into situations where we need to let others who are more experienced in that field hold the reigns.

4. Athletes also know when they need to step up and make a "big play". Leaders know when their team is down and needs a pick-me-up. They accept and handle the pressure of big situations with grace.

5. Athletes know they have to put the work in when nobody is watching in order to reach the success they desire on game day. They know there is no way to cheat the system. The only way to get where they want to go is by putting in the long hours day in and day out and by trusting the system.

These are just a few athlete traits that directly translate into a positive workplace environment. They can be vital tools for you to use in your office on a daily basis, and can certainly enhance the environment in favorable manner. Whether you are interviewing for a new job or simply wanting to improve upon the one you already hold, try taking a look at your favorite athlete and incorporating their character traits into your daily life.