Useful websites
For further information on being a
team player in sport and life, visit:
•https://aceonline.ausport.gov.au
and register.
•www.year12whatnext.gov.au/
opportunities/employability_
skills.htm
Who to contact for
more information
Contact your local Athlete Career
and Education (ACE) adviser for
more information or to further
discuss this area as part of your
career and education action plan.
Being a team player in sport and life
Your commitment and talent in sport can at times put you in the spotlight,
whether you like it or not. As we have seen in the media time and again, what
you do both on and off the field can come under great public scrutiny. As
such, it is important to remind yourself that the qualities of a team player in
sport and life are not dissimilar, and that success is not limited to sport.
Many of the qualities you have as a sportsperson are highly desirable outside
of sport, particularly in a working environment. In fact, the skills you have
as an elite sportsperson can be adapted to all environments. The key is to
recognise the skills you possess and investigate how they might transfer to
your life outside of sport, both now and in the future.
What you can do from here
Start by writing a list of things you do in your day and then think about how
they fit into the ‘qualities of a team player’ listed below. After you have done
this, write down how those qualities you have listed might transfer to your life
outside of sport.
Qualities of a team player
•Communication — conveys information in both verbal and written formats.
•Interpersonal skills — has rapport with others and an ability to form
working relationships, listens effectively, manages conflict, respects cultural
differences and has a global awareness.
•Leadership — influences, supervises, directs and motivates others to achieve
a recognised objective.
•Problem-solving — understands and deals with difficult questions. Applies
logic or reasoning to review information, identify problems and their causes,
evaluate options and selects the best solution.
•Initiative and enterprise — acts without prompting. Is energetic, inventive and
contributes to innovative outcomes.
•Planning and organising — coordinates and gives orderly structure to tasks.
•Self-management — copes with priorities and meets sporting and personal
commitments. Clear personal goals and strategies and is able to measure
performance in regard to these goals. Is proactive in career planning, time
management and sets challenges. Seeks balance in all life aspects, including
maintaining friendships outside of sport.
•Accuracy — is precise and correct in approaching tasks, having an eye
for detail.
•Ability to learn — acquires additional knowledge or skills via study, experience
or through teaching or training.
This information sheet is part
of the ACE Toolbox.
•Flexibility — varies or adjusts approach or style according to situational
demands. Welcomes and manages change.
•Creativity — originates or imagines new ideas, methods or products.