I Coach Teams for a Living—This Is How Your Career Story Impacts Team Dynamics

I spend a large part of my work helping teams improve how they collaborate, communicate, and perform. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:?who you are and how you see yourself shapes the way you show up in your team.

Your level of self-awareness—understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and the value you bring—plays a significant role in whether you contribute to a high-performing team or unknowingly derail it. But here’s something we don’t talk about enough:?the career story you tell yourself directly impacts the role you play in your team.

Think about it—what’s the story you’re telling about your career?

• “I’ve been in this role forever, and no one seems to recognize that I need a change.”
• “This is just a stepping stone while I wait for my ideal role.”
• “I’m only here for the paycheck.”
• “I’m just waiting for retirement.”

Whatever your career narrative is, it influences how you engage with your colleagues, how much effort you put in, and how you respond to team dynamics. If you feel stuck and unheard, does that frustration spill over into your interactions? If you see your job as a temporary stopgap, are you fully invested in the team's success?

The Silent Influence of Your Career Story

A team member who is waiting for their leader to recognize their potential and initiate their next move will likely interact with frustration or disengagement. On the other hand, someone who sees their job as just a paycheck may resist going the extra mile or find team discussions draining. Every career story brings a certain energy to the team—whether it inspires progress or holds the team back.

So, What Can You Do?

If you want your career story to have a?positive?impact on your team, start by asking yourself three key questions:

1???What’s the story I’m currently telling about my career??Is it serving me, or is it keeping me stuck?

2???What story am I building??Every decision, action, and conversation is shaping the next chapter—am I being intentional about it?

3???Who holds the pen??Am I actively writing my career story, or have I handed over control to my boss, the company, or circumstances?

The next time your team faces challenges, take a moment to reflect—not just on the external dynamics but on the?career stories being brought into the room.?How is your story influencing the way you show up? How are your colleagues’ stories shaping the team culture?

What’s your career story right now? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

#CareerDevelopment #Leadership #TeamDynamics #CareerGrowth #MasterYourCareer