I hate to tell you this, but everyone is dispensable. Throughout the last few years working in training and HR, I realized that people often think more highly of themselves than others perceive them. I feel this is quite dangerous because this gives employees tunnel vision and prevents them from developing themselves. They often take feedback as criticism and ignore it. But in the spirit of Spain winning the World Cup, I thought I should offer my two-cents about this. Do you think that any of the players on the Spanish team think they are the best or better than their teammates? I don’t think so. That is why they were magical on the football field. That is why even when they had the chance to score, they would look around hunting for their pals to share the challenge and glory. If companies operated like the Spanish team, they would reach the top 100 companies in the world to work for easily. And come to think of it, who from the Spanish team can you label as the MVP- the most valuable player? I don’t know what the pro’s will decide, but in my point of view, it could be David Villa, Andrés Iniesta or Iker Casillas.  Or maybe someone else from the squad. Why can’t I decide? Because they are all very valuable players. They play their best every single second.

So what can YOU do to be the MVP of your team at work? Well, I found this simplified checklist by Robert Half International on careerbuilder that I thought could give you a good start.  I recommend you check out the article for details, but for now, I will just share the checklist headlines..just to wet your appetite:

1. Have a winning mind-set

2. Don’t be afraid to change plays

3. Develop the ability to make tough calls

4. Practice good sportsmanship

5. Offer to pinch hit

6. Build an enthusiastic fan base

Listing the above doesn’t give the article justice. It is worth you checking it out. Good luck and let’s play ball.