Six Key Qualities of Exceptional TEAM Players
- Ryan Walter
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Based on my NHL and CEO experience, I believe the qualities of an exceptional team player are rooted in the simple shift from an independent, "Me" mindset, to interdependent, "We" thinking. A true team player has more than just great skill; a true team player actively and positively fuels the team's culture and energy.
As you read the following qualities of a team player, ask yourself this leadership question: “How can I personally and culturally impact the focus and energy of my players in 2026?
Here are the essential qualities of a team player as discovered in our research:
1. Selflessness and Sacrifice
The defining characteristic of a team player is the willingness to put the group ahead of a personal agenda.
• Sacrificing Personal Glory: A great team player is willing to sacrifice personal goals (like scoring) for the betterment of the group (like making a safe play to preserve a win).
• Having a "Good Samaritan" Attitude: Unlike a selfish player who says, "What’s yours is mine," a team player adopts the attitude of "what’s mine is yours, and I’ll give it," contributing resources and energy to help teammates succeed.
• Playing for the Front of the Jersey: There is much truth in the old adage that if we play for the name on the front of the sweater (the team), people will eventually remember the name on the back.
2. Role Acceptance and Execution
A team player understands that not everyone can be the "star," but everyone must be excellent in their specific function.
• "If You’re a Dancer, Dance:" Good team players identify their specific strength and execute it. If you are a scorer, score; if you are a grinder, grind. Trying to be something you aren't hurts the team.
• Valuing Every Role: A great team player accepts their role—even if it is limited to a few minutes a game—and thrives in it, rather than complaining or displaying negative body language. They understand that the success of the top scorer often hinges on the work of the defensive player.
3. Being a Carrier of Energy
Teams are divided into Carriers (those who create energy) and those who need to be carried.
• Energy Givers vs. Energy Takers: A team player is an Energy Giver who shows up prepared, has positive body language, and celebrates small victories. An Energy Taker is sometimes late, makes selfish plays, or wants others to fail so he or she can succeed.
• Communication: Carriers pick up the Future-Positive Message and help deliver it across the team.
4. Utilizing "Relational Fuel"
Team players build relationships.
• Deflecting: A team player deflects glory to others. After scoring a goal, a team player always points to the teammate who gave them the pass, and always uses inclusive language ("We/Us" instead of "I/Me").
• Honouring: Exceptional team players value their teammates' strengths above their weaknesses, and treat them as people, rather than objects. They respect the fourth-line player as much as the superstar.
• Connecting: Team players move from monologue to dialogue, ensuring they are truly connecting with teammates, rather than just delivering information.
5. Accountability and Integrity
High-performance team players possess a No Excuses mindset.
• Ownership: Team players are authentic, admit mistakes, and show up every day to bring their best to the table.
• Personal Responsibility: Team players take responsibility for their own performance rather than blaming coaches, teammates, or the referee.
• Consistency: Team players adhere to the team's values, even when no one is looking.
6. Creating a voice for the "Unsaid"
Finally, a team player helps clear the mental space of the group by "getting the unsaid, said." By respectfully voicing hidden issues or conflicts, they prevent resentment from festering and allow the team to refocus on performance. Part of a great team player's developed skill-set is to ask specific questions that help the implicit issues become explicitly verbalized.
Exactly like we do in hockey, basketball's John Wooden taught his players to share the credit for scoring a basket by pointing to the teammate who gave them the ball. This practice was rooted in Wooden's philosophy that, "It’s amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit." Whenever we see this, it signals that the scorer understands the TEAM aspect of his or her personal success.
How can you and I intentionally increase our positive team cultures by pointing more often at the people who are passing us the puck, in our families, in our communities, and in our work places?
Have a great week!
Ryan
