When They Tell You to Be a 'Team Player' (What They're Really Asking)

"Be more of a team player." Translation: Could you shrink a little?Every time I hear that phrase, what I actually hear is "Could you make us feel more comfortable sitting next to someone sharper than we are?" Because they didn't hire you to blend in. They hired you because the whole thing collapses when you're not in the room. You're not a team player - you're the structure. You're the asset. You're the safety net they pretend not to need until everything's on fire.In this episode:1. What "be more collaborative" really means (hint: it's about managing their discomfort, not yours)2. Why you're toning down your emails, smiling in meetings, and pretending ideas need workshopping3. The unspoken memo to underperform that you didn't get (and shouldn't follow)4. Why "team spirit" actually means "take on extra emotional labor and make it nice for us"5. What to say next time they ask you to be more collaborativeThis one's for you if:-You've been told you're "not a team player" despite carrying the entire team-You're exhausted from shrinking to keep the peace-You're the one everyone waits for before they know what to do nextReady to stop apologising?This podcast is for women who are done performing. If you want more of this energy, the kind of conversation that reminds you who you actually are - visit wwdaglobal.com and step into the room.You'll get weekly insights, frameworks I don't share anywhere else, and a community of women who've stopped asking for permission.About Women Who Don't Apologise:Over 100 episodes exploring power, boundaries, capacity, and what it means to live on your own terms. Hosted by Patricia Haywood lawyer, The Queen of Construction Contracts, Top 100 Woman in Construction, GC, and chief unapologetic mastress. For women 40+ who are exhausted from following everyone else's blueprint.