If you follow professional sports, you will notice players who have long careers because they are “good” in the locker room. This means that, though they are past their prime as athletes, their contribution to the team as high-character individuals is invaluable.

Last year, on the Chicago Cubs, David Ross was one of those guys. He was the backup catcher who played about every fourth game, but his leadership was one of the factors in the Cubs winning their first World Series in 92 years.

Ross wrote an article in an online publication called The Players’ Tribune describing the characteristics of a “glue guy.” A “glue guy” helps mold a team and hold them together. Here is a quick list of the characteristics:

1. Unselfish: Doesn’t put his personal role above that of the team.
2. Good teammate: Stays in touch with his teammates, has a feel for what is going on with individual players, and seems to care about them more than himself.
3. Communicates: Understands the necessity and power of communication and acts as an agent for it within the team, bridging the communication gap.
4. Honest and candid: Says what needs to be said and holds others accountable.
5. Encouraging: Readily offers the right word of encouragement, building off his relationships to be a valued advisor.
6. Loosens the team: Keeps everything in perspective so that small things stay small.
7. Focuses the team: Ensures that the main things remain the main things and constantly points the team toward their ultimate goals.

A “glue guy” is good in the locker room because he is a force in the environment. He cares. He makes others want to care. Once he teaches them to care, they always remember the power of caring and the commitment it brings.

-Howe Q Wallace Jr