Most Valuable Player

The New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, a four-time champion, was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. Many perhaps may contend that Brown was justified the MVP credits for making the decisive defensive play. Edelman as well; some debate deserved attention, with a 109-yard receiving act.

The workplace is no different. The very same dynamics are taking place. There is also action in the workplace that releases energy and create champions. Touchdowns are made which makes for a workplace that is sometimes exciting!

According to Wikipedia, in sports, a most valuable player (MVP) award is an honor usually bestowed upon the best-performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests. Initially used in professional sports, the term is now also commonly used in amateur sports, as well as in other completely unrelated fields of endeavor such as business and music.

According to Andrew J. DuBrin, author of this book, the work place environment is team-based.

On every team you can find an MVP! You can also find them in the gov-bowl!

My work team is quite small. It’s easy to see the MVP amongst the workplace players — my colleague LD. The MVP exudes all qualities unlike the typical perception of the federal employee. She is always busy and produces with substantial significance. She makes touchdowns. LD is a great example of tax payers’ dollars. As a gov employee, LD carries out a key function of the agency’s mission to a very unique but special population: promoting health.

The MVP plays better than the rest of the players on the gov-team:

• She is a master of her trade
• The Star maintains sustainability
• Like Brady, she is a team player who plays hard and collaborates with her teammates
• Focused
• She is Innovative
• She or… maybe it’s a he (though rarely) stays late to finish the game
• She practices

I have always wanted to be a valuable player on any team I work with. In many ways, I know I have been. I am not daunted by challenges. Standing out means taking risks … and I try to do things differently. I experiment with new ideas in areas of my responsibilities. Not only exceeding my teammate’s expectations… but exceeding my own.

MVPs have fans — lots of fans. To build a fan base, conduct internal public relations. And…MVPs get standing ovations!

However, we have to recognize teammates who bring value to the team. Who is your gov-team’s champion, MVP? What are some of the qualities or behaviors you observe in your team’s MVP?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more than 2 million federal civilian workers in various occupations. Whatever team you are on below, like LD; is there an MVP on your team?

The views expressed here are solely the experiences and opinion of the author.

June Bridges Cox is part of the GovLoop Featured Blogger program, where we feature blog posts by government voices from all across the country (and world!). To see more Featured Blogger posts, click here.