One of my all-time favorite films, Remember the Titans, chronicles the legendary 1971 high school football team from Alexandria, Virginia. They clinched the state championship and rose to No. 2 in the nation. Yet, it wasn't just their victories that inspired Hollywood and sparked decades of discussions. In a newly integrated school amid racial tensions, these players bridged divides, teaching their community to do the same.
Coach Herman Boone reflected in a film interview: "At a time when the town was ready to tear itself apart, the kids came together and changed the attitudes between them and their community." They embraced true teamwork, setting aside prejudices, mistrust, pride, and fear for a shared purpose.
The shift from "me" to "us"—or, for the Titans, from "us vs. them" to "us"—doesn't come naturally to everyone. It certainly didn't for me early in my career. Today, drawing from years of leading teams, I'll share three key qualities of exceptional team players and practical ways to build a collaborative mindset.
Related: 8 tips to improve team collaboration
Talk about it
Coach Boone taught more than plays; he mastered communication by having players room, eat, and train together. A white player first crossed racial lines, setting the tone. Field wins helped, but locker-room talks dismantled barriers, as Boone later shared.
Effective communication transcends casual talk or texts. Strengthen bonds by:
Being frank: Avoid hidden agendas, third-party relays, sugarcoating bad news, or venting on social media—these erode trust.
Being prompt: Address issues within 24 hours to prevent frustrations from festering into grudges.
Being inclusive: Share work info openly (discreetly when needed). Transparency builds trust, ownership, and engagement.
Roll with it
Legendary producer Quincy Jones faced backlash for pivoting from jazz to pop with Michael Jackson in the 1980s. He shrugged it off: "When I was 12 or 13, we played everything from strip to rhythm and blues... pop, polkas, Sousa... I always had range," he told Context magazine.
Adaptability is invaluable—who doesn't value someone navigating downturns, covering for colleagues, or shifting strategies swiftly? These players spread agility, energizing teams. Cultivate it by:
Keeping learning: I once carried a pocket notebook to jot new insights, building a habit of acquiring skills.
Thinking beyond your role: Ditch "that's not my job." Learn others' duties, especially leadership ones, to shine in crises.
Thinking creatively: Embrace new ideas without fear. As Jones said, "Those who don't react with pain to novelty are truly creative. They'll say, 'Let's try—even if we blow it.'"
Wave your pom-poms
(Figuratively, of course.) Cheerleaders energize stadiums; you can do the same at work. Recall Harley-Davidson's near-collapse in the 1980s (from 80% market share), GM's 2000s struggles, or Starbucks' overexpansion—each rebounded through CEO and employee enthusiasm.
Build yours by:
Showing urgency: Set deadlines for tasks, even mundane ones.
Doing more: Exceed requests consistently.
Aiming for excellence: The thrill of top results fuels momentum.
Starbucks' Howard Schultz captured it: "When you're surrounded by people who share a passionate commitment to a common goal, anything is possible."
These are just a few traits great team players bring. Observe colleagues—from parking attendants to CEOs—who excel. How do they embody these? Teamwork isn't innate, but as the Titans proved, mindsets can transform.
