Amateur vs. Professional Team Players
How to “Go Pro” As a Teammate
There’s a difference between being on a team and being a real teammate. Amateurs and professionals are worlds apart—and those differences show in every interaction, in the way they speak, in the quality of the work they do, the way they respect each other, and in how they honor their role on the team.
Here are just a few specific ways that amateurs and professionals operate in contrast.
Amateur Teammates
Look Out for Themselves: Amateurs show up when it’s easy or when there’s something in it for them. They’re quick to celebrate their own wins but are quiet when it comes to cheering for someone else (unless that person’s success is directly tied to them). They’re the first to point fingers when things go wrong and the last to admit when they could’ve done better.
Use Words as Weapons: Sarcasm, digs, and jokes at others’ expense? That’s amateur behavior. Amateurs break the team down from the inside out with underhanded comments and passive aggression. They call it humor, but the real impact is creating distrust, discomfort, and division.
Compete with Their Teammates, Not for Them: Instead of seeing others’ success as something to celebrate, amateurs see it as a threat. They get jealous, nitpick, and sometimes even undermine others to try and make themselves look better. They’re there for their own spotlight, not to help the whole team win.
Play at Half-Speed: Amateurs give only what they need to get by. They’ll put in effort when it’s convenient or benefits them directly, but they lack the grit to push themselves every single day. They’re really good at the stuff that comes natural but neglect the things that require sacrifice and personal growth.
Say “Me” and “Mine”: Amateurs are possessive of their achievements and the aspects of their roles. They’ll say “my project,” “my success,” or “my role” and hold tightly to the things they feel they can own. This focus on “me” shows a narrow perspective, making it clear they’re more concerned about their personal ego than the team’s success.
Professional Teammates
Honor Their Role and the Team’s Mission: A professional teammate knows their role, and they’re proud to play it—even when it means doing the unseen, thankless tasks. They understand that every action they take is for the team, not just themselves. Whether it’s sports, business, or life, they see the bigger picture and know that their efforts help everyone succeed.
Use Words as Tools to Lift Up, Not Tear Down: Professional teammates don’t use sarcasm as a weapon. Instead, they build each other up with genuine encouragement. They’re the first to recognize a job well done and the last to let a teammate feel unseen or undervalued. They understand that respect isn’t optional—it’s essential. The way they talk to and about others reflects that, always choosing words that bring people closer.
Commit Fully & Play Hard: Professionals aren’t in it for the easy days or the moments of personal gain. They show up fully, whether they’re at the top of their game or having a rough day. They don’t cut corners, because they know that everything they do reflects on the team and on themselves. They set the example, push through challenges, and always keep the team’s best interests in mind.
Are Relentless in Effort and Attitude: Professionals don’t take shortcuts. They give 100% in every rep, every drill, every game. They set the standard, pushing the team forward even when it’s uncomfortable.
Say “Our” and “We”: Professionals know that success belongs to everyone. They say “our project,” “our win,” and “our goals” because they see achievement as a shared outcome. By using collective language, they create a culture of belonging and mutual respect, making it clear that everyone has a part in the success. The only thing a professional “owns” is their responsibility in failure.
In Action: The next time you’re with your team—whether at work, in practice, or just in conversation—be intentional with your words and actions. Speak to others with honor, no sarcasm, no digs. Find one thing to genuinely compliment or encourage in each person. Show up fully and commit to lifting up everyone around you. That’s the difference between an amateur and a professional teammate, and your team deserves a professional.
Jp