Team player
Meaning
An individual who cooperates well with others and contributes effectively to a group's collective success.
Origin
The concept of organized teams has existed for centuries, but the specific phrase "team player" gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly in American English. Its roots are firmly planted in the world of competitive sports, where the success of a collective unit—be it a baseball nine, a basketball five, or a football squad—hinged not just on individual talent, but on the ability of each person to subordinate personal glory for the good of the group. As corporations began adopting strategies from sports, especially after World War II, the term leaped from the locker room to the boardroom, becoming a highly valued attribute in the workplace and solidifying its place in modern vernacular.
Examples
- Sarah is a true team player, always willing to help her colleagues and share credit for accomplishments.
- Our new project manager emphasized that everyone needs to be a team player to meet the tight deadline.