Member-only story
I’m A Utility Player
I’m going to be honest with you: I am not a leader. I’m not a voice of reason. I’m not a role model. So I’ll tell you something else that shouldn’t come as a surprise: I don’t want to be any of those things.
Left to my own devices, I’m not much of a team player, either. I don’t play well with others. I’m much more content to do my own thing and be left alone. However, when I must co-exist as part of a team unit, my response is always the same. I will tell you what I’m good at, but if you need a utility player on your side, I’m that guy. I say that because what I don’t know I can pick up. Another job skill? Sure. I can use that later. That’s how I’ve ended up in so many call centers doing so many different things. At this point, the only thing I don’t want to do in a call center is run it. I’ve seen that movie up close; no, thank you.
And yet, I find myself filling in to be a team leader lately, more than I care to admit. I cover for another leader when that person is out. In the two months since this project has gone live, I estimate that I have spent a full month of that time acting as a team lead. I don’t care for it, but someone has to do it.
You see, the last time I led a team, I was in my mid-twenties. To put it mildly, I needed more time in the oven. I didn’t have the maturity or the emotional intelligence to handle the job, and as a result, I was greatly humbled. I deserved every bit of what came my way. Today, I’m reminded of that catastrophe every time I get asked to cover, and I question whether or not I belong in the role, acting or not. Some might say that’s a sign of self-awareness, and I’m inclined to agree.
All the same, I question my competence. And then, I bite the bullet and do what the team needs me to do. Like a utility player should.
