Are you a Team Player?

Appraisal or Interview, I am sure we have in the past or still do encounter this behavioral question of being a team-player.

During interviews, when people ask me how am I more of a team player or consider that I have it in me.

My response to this question is what i would like to share here..using story telling technique

I say " The answer to this is dated back to my childhood days."

Thus I continue to build the suspense and also get to narrate my life experience in the form of a story built around suspense which holds the interviewers attention.

"During my schooling day, we had a practice period between 7 - 8 a.m. We had the choice to select our sports that we wanted to pursue.

Archery vs Basketball: Being an all rounder I had invitations from both the coaches."

I am building my persona of a visual character.

Even if I reached school/practice ground by 5:30 a.m. the time was never enough to pursue both sports together. Never knew how time flew when I was training for Basketball.

Subtly hinting about my inherent values that I am dedicated and passionate person.

"So I made my choice."

Keeping the interviewer curious.

"At that age making a calculative decision is rare. A child usually goes with his/her guts or intuition, making the obvious choice to be the sports which one enjoys."

Showing you still connect with the child inside you.

"I chose Basketball. And as you know it is a team game."

Breaking the suspense and stating the obvious aloud to connect the question and your story.

Interviews are brief moments when you as an individual is being evaluated and an effort is being made to understand you in totality within that short time span.

One can use each question as an opportunity to release more information for one to be rightly understood.

So I continue my story " On a calculative front, pursuing archery would have got me fame, name and eventually money. This I am not bragging, it's just that I am aware of my potential which my schoolmates, juniors, seniors and school teachers would second it even today."

Building my credentials and showcasing my ability to view situation from multiple perspectives.

"I had made my choice to be a team player even before I had any knowledge of the term - TEAM PLAYER!"

Reassuring that it is an inherent quality which is in my mainstream.

"And to answer your question, with time and practice ones ability continues to grow and strengthen. I am sure, you you will agree with me."

The interviewer nods in agreement, Thus I have successfully conveyed my message which was positively received.

One also needs to convey the achievement, hence I continue.

"Incase if I have mislead you to think that I regret my choice i would lead my story do the talking - I made a choice when i was in 5th standard. In 6th standard I played my first nationals representing my state Jharkhand (then Bihar) under 13 National Basketball Championship, INDIA held in Ropar.

I played 6 nationals thereafter, twice as the Captain of the Team."

By now I am sure the interviewer is impressed.

Use 'Storytelling' as a medium to answer the questions during interviews. Pick your examples from your life...I am sure you would be having ample stories from your life experiences and learning.

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If you have any questions on interviews, or want to share your experience do leave a comment!

#interviewquestion #teamplayerinterviewquestion #inspiration #quote