When the company memo about the office-wide activity was passed, most of us wondered what the purpose of the activity was. Our office anniversary has passed, so with our summer outing and besides we're still 2 months shy from the Christmas holidays. You can say a collective thought bubble with a huge question mark floated the air.

There are only a handful of us that work as a team for special projects, I am part of the only team working in one office while the other teams have members from other parts of the country- remotely functioning and working on a specific project.

I was hired for the team for over a year now, together with a project manager choosing an employee for our team relied on the skill set and the available manpower. We've gone through disappointments and desperation to fill out some team vacancies. We had some hits with the ones who prove valuable and talented co-employees too.

Surprisingly, it was only via this office activity that I took note of the qualities of employee performance that can be analyzed for a prospective team player hire.

To make it simple, prospective individuals for a team can be categorized into 5.

1- We have the naturally focused and talented. The people who fall under this category have the skill set to accomplish the task that is their specialty. They know how to organize and channel their thoughts and actions at the goal. They perform effortlessly, flawlessly and can take criticism or unsolicited advice even.

2- We have the naturally driven. The people who fall under this category have that drive to get something done despite the lack of skill set. They are dedicated and practice to achieve the ends with limited means.

3- There are the ones who rise to the challenge and pull it off. Most often than not, the people who fall into this category are those who can lead with no hesitation and they're always the ones to think that there is a solution to every problem. Despite the unpracticed skill set, they are effective. There is also a strong sense of responsibility in them.

4- Silent workers. These people are silently busy working to contribute for the details of a main project or event. They are the ones who would rather be in the background rather than having deal with something they lack a skill set for. They are any group's asset since their diligence and dedication is a great contribution to getting a project off the ground.

5- We have the talented flare. The ones who fall under this category are talented, the only thing lacking is the confidence to take on the responsibility in having to achieve any task in the best way possible. They do have problems working with a larger set of people who are equally and far more talented then themselves. Despite the talent, the drive to strive is very low- taking into account that common characteristics of the people who fall under this category: they are too loud and insistent on changes. Despite this they consistently under achieve.

Working with a group of people means having to deal with several attitudes, work habits and ethics. Within a company forming a team means putting capable people and with the skill sets needed. Yet to get to accomplish the team goal, this would call for a better understanding of the inner workings of an individual's mind. To top any project dream team would be a leader capable of motivating different personalities and has practiced simmering disappointment and has a positive outlook always.

Do you find yourself having a mental picture of a co-worker when you read through the categories? Do you see yourself in any of the categories? There comes a time when self-assessment and habit study helps pinpoint several office problems that you encounter every now and then.

Having a better understanding of the different ways people tackle their work responsibilities give you a clue on how to provide assistance or step up to the challenge by overcoming your weaknesses.