What About the Team? 3 Ways to Handle the Co-Worker Who’s Always out for Themselves

What does it mean to be a “team player” at work? These are usually the people who prioritize group goals and might even put them above their own interests when necessary. Team players often help other colleagues or departments and are focused on being successful with the organization’s overall mission. They aren’t out to rack up personal accomplishments and accolades at the expense of others. Are you a true team player?

Whether you consider yourself a team player or just an active contributor, you’ve probably come in contact with someone who is the exact opposite. These co-workers who are always “out for themselves” might ignore the needs of others, refuse to provide support or assistance, and be extremely self-focused. The effects of working with people like this can include a decrease in trust on a team, increased stress, a breakdown in communication, and the development of a toxic work environment. If you work with someone who seems to be out for themselves, there are a few things you can do to address the situation and try to minimize the effects on your performance.

1. Talk to them

Fear about job security and the thought that others are “out to get them” are common beliefs among professionals who aren’t team players. Many people focus on negative things that could happen and fixate on those scenarios. As a result, their behavior can become increasingly competitive and self-serving. To be honest, most professionals have worked in a negative environment at some point in their lives. These past experiences can influence how they show up on the job today.

Building rapport with a co-worker can help them see that the “me first” mentality isn’t needed or productive in the current working environment. Cultivating a genuine relationship is also helpful. Once you’ve established a bond with your co-worker, it could be beneficial to point out a couple of instances where their behavior wasn’t productive for you or the team. The key is not to attack their behavior, but to just indicate that the past conduct wasn’t necessary.    

2. Include them in team discussions

Since many non-team players tend to feel alone or isolated, including them in group discussions can show that there is no need to feel threatened. Go out of your way to ask a non-team player what they think during a conversation or meeting (if you’re their manager). When they recognize that you are interested in their point of view or feelings, it can help to calm internal fears they have. 

What ways could you extend yourself and be more approachable to a colleague who seems like they are out for themselves? These can be simple things that don’t take too much of your time or effort. Can you invite the non-team player out to lunch? Ask your boss about having a group happy hour at a local restaurant or some other team building activity. Increasing the amount of time your team spends together away from the daily monotony on the job can help to build stronger bonds for everyone.

3. Maintain transparency / visibility

There are times when you’ve tried to foster a relationship with a non-team player and their behavior continues to be self-serving. In those instances, it's important for you to maintain transparency and visibility with management. Unfortunately, many professionals who are out for themselves attempt to steal ideas, take credit for the work of others, or throw their co-workers under the bus.   

Make sure there is a record of what you’ve done and your communications via email or with other colleagues. Developing a plan to protect your ideas and maintaining an open relationship with your boss are crucial when working with a non-team player. Having a high level of credibility will help if you have to speak with your manager about an issue in the future.

Working with someone who is out for themselves or not a team player can be frustrating and can negatively affect your career. First, you want to really think about if you are a team player and how you show up at work. If you are a team player, talk to your co-workers more often and include them in group discussions. In the event that things do not change with your co-worker over time, having a record of your own contributions and transparency with your boss can help you maintain your reputation.  

Porschia Parker is a Certified Coach, Professional Resume Writer, and Founder of Fly High Coaching. She empowers ambitious professionals and motivated executives to add $10K on average to their salaries.