Leadership and Life Balance
How Do I Deal With a Teammate Who Does Not Work Hard?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
I think of leadership as practical, and that includes holding standards respectfully. Start with your own part, done the same way every day. If a teammate's effort is hurting the team, prepare a respectful conversation. Use Fact, Feeling, Question. Ask for support early if it does not change.
The answer
- Check your own part first. Do it on time and hold your standard the same way every day.
- Decide what you want to say before you speak to your teammate.
- Fact: describe what you saw, in plain words. No labels like "lazy".
- Feeling: say how it affected you or the team.
- Question: ask a collaborative question about what to do next, such as "What would help us do this together?"
- Listen to the answer. Then follow through on what you agreed.
- If nothing changes, ask your coach for support early. Asking for help is not weakness.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 13 October 2026.