Based on roundtable discussions I hold every
month, I have a good idea how they would answer
this question.
They would say that I am a fair-minded manager.
I empower my team members to make decisions, and I support
those decisions.
They would also say that I am available.
Some managers SAY they have an open-door policy, but I
truly do have one.
When a team member has a problem or concern, about
either something professional or personal, they would say
that they feel comfortable
coming to talk with me about it.
Yes, I am a good team member.
There is an old adage that two heads are better than one, and
sometimes five heads are better than two.
Last year, I was a member of a community group that was
trying to raise money for new playground equipment
in the park.
The team that I joined was responsible for selecting
the equipment.
Rather than having all adults on the team, we included some
of the children who would be enjoying the equipment.
The children really helped us make the decisions about
what to buy.
Now that the playground is completed, it is one of the
cleanest and friendliest in the area.
In my previous position, I had experience working with all
types of people.
I can work with just about anyone, but I prefer
motivated, hard-working, honest people.
I am a good team member.
Sometimes this means leading the team, other times it
means supporting a team towards its goals.
Depending on my experience in a certain area, I will vary
the roles I take.
What counts is that the project gets done
successfully - not that I am the one to take the glory for
being the leader.
If there is a more competent person to be the leader, I am
satisfied simply by working as a team member and helping
the team reach its goals.
Some projects are more suitable for teams, others
for individuals.
I work well both ways, depending on the project.
I work well with most types of people, but if I could
choose a group of people to work with, I'd choose people
who are committed to the company's goals, who have
integrity, and are pleasant to be around.
I pride myself upon being able to get along with
most people.
However, I would much prefer being around people who do
not lie, blame others for their shortcomings, or steal.