We’ve all seen articles about “how to be a great boss” or “how to find the perfect company culture.” But let’s flip the script for a moment: What does it mean to be a great teammate?
I know that great teams aren’t built by chance, They’re made up of people who bring the best out of each other - by supporting, challenging, and growing together.
So, here’s my take on what makes a great teammate at Vicarius and beyond after a year being a part of this team.
Honestly, I believe those are universal rules that should be followed by companies that care about their employees.
Rule of awesomeness 101: treat everyone like a client
One of the most impactful shifts I’ve made is seeing everyone I work with as a client - whether it’s a teammate, manager, or someone from another department.
When you bring this mindset into your relationships, it transforms how you collaborate. You start actively listening, supporting others, and offering thoughtful feedback.
I see this approach is shaping our culture. It’s not just about delivering results; it’s about building trust and showing up for each other in meaningful ways.
People first, titles second
One thing that stands out is how human we are with each other. It’s easy to forget that teammates, no matter their role, have challenges outside of work.
Maybe your colleague is juggling deadlines while helping their kids with homework. Or your manager is leading strategic projects while navigating personal stress.
A small gesture like asking, “How’s it going?” or grabbing them coffee can make a big difference. These moments of kindness create bonds that go beyond work, and I’ve seen them bring our team closer together.
Commit Fully, Together
Here’s a principle that’s shaped how we approach teamwork: debate passionately when decisions are being made, but once a direction is set, commit fully to making it succeed.
We should and we do encourage open discussions and differing viewpoints. It’s how we come up with innovative solutions. But once a decision is final, we unite as a team to ensure it succeeds - no matter whose idea it was.
This mindset isn’t about being right; it’s about putting the team’s success first. It’s something I see my teammates practice every day, and it’s a big part of what makes us effective.
Gratitude
Gratitude is something I’ve learned to embrace, even when challenges arise. Every long-term team faces its challenges—stressful projects, tight deadlines, or tough feedback. In these moments, it’s easy to let frustration build. But one of the simplest ways to reset your mindset is by practicing gratitude.
At Vicarius, I see this kind of mindset helps us stay positive and focus on solutions rather than frustrations.
Take initiative to help the team thrive
The quality I admire most at Vicarius are the ones who take initiative - not just to solve problems but to strengthen the team.
Whether it’s offering help during crunch time, or proposing a new process, taking ownership shows you care about the team’s success.
One of the simplest but most impactful phrases you can use is, “How can I help?” It’s a reminder that teamwork isn’t just about your individual contributions; it’s about lifting each other up when it counts.
The shield
Here’s a principle that strengthens the team: great leaders share credit and take responsibility, while great teammates do the opposite.
When the team succeeds, leaders shine a light on the individuals who made it happen. And when challenges arise, they step up to take the blame.
As teammates, our role is to support each other and our leaders. Speak positively about your team in public and address concerns constructively in private. It’s not about avoiding tough conversations; it’s about handling them in ways that build trust rather than eroding it.
This approach creates a culture where we work through challenges together instead of pointing fingers, and it’s something I see in action every day.
Why this matters
What I’ve shared here isn’t just theory - it’s what I’ve experienced and observed in my time at Vicarius. These values of care, commitment, gratitude, initiative, and trust are the foundation of what makes our team special.
If you’re looking to strengthen your own team - or become a better teammate yourself - these principles are a great place to start. And for us at Vicarius, they’re not just values we talk about; they’re how we work, every single day.
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