How to Be a Team Player

A common topic for job interviews is all about team work. Do you have a good answer for the question, "Are you a team player?"

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Surround yourself with people who respect and 
treat you well.     —Claudia Black

10 Tips to Better Team Work

Groups that work well together can accomplish large tasks with ease. On the sports field, the team that works well together is often the team that wins. What does it mean to be a team player in business? Teamwork on the job takes advantage of a group’s creativity and collective energy. Working as part of a team can help you find ways to boost productivity. If your boss has ever said to you, “Be a team player,” these are some of qualities that work.

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10. Be Friendly and Supportive
Think of your team as your support network. Make it easy for team members to work together.

• Be friendly to your team members.
• Be supportive by showing interest in others.
• Try to allow everyone to have an equal chance.
• Offer your help up front and don’t wait to be asked.
• Let your team know you have their back.

When someone comes up with a good plan, let them know what a great idea it is. They may really appreciate your support even if they don’t need it. 

9. Take Equal Responsibility
The old saying, “Many hands make light work,” applies here. No one person feels the burden of work when all team members participate equally. Team members working together can achieve much more than one person who is acting alone. When you feel you are making a meaningful contribution, other team members will appreciate you and your work.

8. Respect All Team Members
Everyone is unique. Personality and skills vary. Recognize that all team members have thoughts and feelings that deserve your respect. Be considerate of others and allow them to make their best contributions. Encourage everyone to have an equal chance to state their opinions and ideas. Offer positive feedback when you can. Give your team members the kind of respect that you would like for yourself.

7. Be a Good Communicator
Lack of communication is often the problem when teams don’t seem to be doing well together. It doesn’t help to sit silently, even if you disagree with something.

• Show interest in what members are saying.
• Let people finish before you start talking.
• Make sure you understand what is being said. Ask if you think something is not clear.
• Beware of saying something that you may not mean. Your team may take it in the wrong way.

Everyone wants to be understood. Work on your communication skills and learn how to respond. Your body language, gestures that you use, and even facial expressions can communicate messages.

6. Think Before You Speak
Once you have said something, it’s hard to take it back. Think first and try to use positive wording about everything. It’s really best not to say negative things to others. If you disagree with a team member, don’t become emotional about it.

• Try to be objective and fair.
• DON”T act upset and angry.
• Avoid saying things that make others feel bad.
• Don’t make team members feel they have to defend themselves.

5. Understand the Team’s Objectives
Teams that work together can achieve so much more than individuals who work alone. But the group needs to all be moving in the same direction. It’s vital that you understand the team’s goals. You might need to ask questions like these to make sure you understand the group’s objectives:

• What is this team here to do?
• What role will each team member take on?
• Is there a deadline and budget to follow?
• What would be the “perfect ending” to the teamwork?

When you are clear about what the group needs to do, you can do your part of the task to the best of your abilities.

4. Be a Collaborator
A good team member is involved and active within the group. Here are some tips that foster collaboration:

• Be cooperative—willing to follow as well as lead.
• Be flexible—look at change as a new opportunity for growth.
• Be reliable—don’t say one thing and do another. Follow through with promises.
• Be willing to share information and resources with the team

As the teamwork begins to gel, you’ll find that creativity levels are higher and the work is more productive.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
When you need it, ask for help. Keep in mind that you are working towards a group’s goal, not just your own. Many people like to be able to help others, they find that role rewarding. 

2. Keep a Positive Attitude
Try to stay optimistic during group discussions. Focus on the positives in your team members. Offer positive feedback—look and comment on what each person can do well. Stay positive about the work. Don’t complain, delay, or make negative comments.

1. Play to Your Strengths
What do you do best? Try to bring those qualities to the team. You may be great at organizing, or at researching information.  You may clearly see the steps needed and write an outline of the tasks. Are you good at motivating others? Or perhaps you’re a good mediator for when there are problems. There are many roles that for individuals within a group that helps the team to work well together.

Teams are usually set up to solve difficult problems. They are designed to take advantage of each member's different skills, personalities, and traits. It’s not always easy to work with a team, but it can be a great opportunity to show your boss that you are willing to work hard for the good of the whole company, rather than for yourself.

If you enjoyed this article about Becoming a Team Player, you might like reading 10 Ways to Be More Productive.

Read more Simple10s articles about Work Abundance.

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