How can I tell my manager to reconsider?

Question

My Human Resources at work gave me an evaluation last friday, and unfortunately i was denied for the position.. when i asked why? She said that i wasn't a team player.. with all due respect, how can an individual be concern about a team player if he is by himself all the time? and the fact that my brother applied just a week before, that is the issue.. PLS HELP!

Answer 1

When an employer says an employee is "not a team player", they are not always referring to how well you get along with your co-workers.

Not being a "team player" can mean lots of things like, not willing to stay over (or come in early) to get an important job done, continuous whining/b*tching about anything & everything, refusal to assist other employees with projects because you are "too busy" and even sometimes not socializing after work (if this is a regular occurance).

If I were in your shoes I would call HR and ask for a meeting. Then go in and without emotion or attitude ask for some concrete, specific things that you can work on to improve how your are viewed in the company. Ask her for a "roadmap".

Without specifics you cannot change your behavior, and most good HR people would be happy to help a current employee become a better employee.

Good luck

Answer 2

One of the last holdovers from the '80's corporate structure is the HR buzz phrase, "team player". Unfortuneately, It's used as a non-descript cop out when the HR rep. doesn't want to or feels uncomfortable citing specifics when referring to another individual within the company.
I'd suggest that you set up another meeting and ask for the specifics. Here's what to expect.
You will be praised for your technical knowhow.
You'll be informed that someone else better fits what they're looking for in the aforementioned position.
Here's where you have to ask for ways to make yourself more eligible for advancement. You must also realize that the HR rep. is not the decision maker. This actually falls on the company VP, so you have to schedule your meeting with both of them lest you fall into a course of action that is so non-specific as to bear no fruit for the effort.
Good Luck and start looking for another job before you get blackballed within the industry.