You open the locker room door and hear everyone talking and laughing amongst themselves. Then you walk in. Conversations stop and heads turn. The proverbial pin drops and you hear it. Joining a new team can be uncomfortable. But it doesn’t have to be.
Over the years, I have been on many different teams and experienced meeting new teammates many times over. I’ve also experienced being on a team and having a new teammate join the team. In fact, one time, I experienced a new teammate walk into the locker room only to greet his new teammates by saying, “Your new captain is here!” That experience and many others helped me realize what players should not do when joining a team. More importantly, though, it helped me realize what they should do.
Here are five ways to win over your new teammates:
1. Be around the team. When you join a new team make it a priority to spend time with your new teammates. Focus on getting to know each of them first. Connect with each of them on a personal level. Great teams are filled with players that have great relationships with each other.
2. Learn from them. You have just joined a team that has a certain team dynamic. Work to learn what the dynamic is and how you can fit into it. New teammates will appreciate your desire to learn about the team and will take the time to explain the culture and the expectations.
3. Be humble. At first I wanted to write shut your mouth, but be humble has the same meaning. Let your new teammates ask you questions about yourself and your experiences. Don’t offer them up first. And, when you do answer their questions, make sure you mention the others that contributed to your success. It’s never just about you.
4. Be the hardest worker there. Show up early and stay late. You don’t want to give the impression that you think you’ve already solidified your place on the team. Let your hard work show that you desire a place on the team and that you know you must earn it.
5. Care deeply about the results. Teams win and lose together. Focus on the team’s results rather than your individual accomplishments. If the team is winning, your personal success will happen.
If you’re joining a new team, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. In fact, it can be a great experience. Follow these five ways and win your new teammates over.
