How To Be A Team Player
/Regardless of what position you’re applying for, the interviewer is likely to ask you if you’re a team player. You already know the answer they want, so you assure them that is the case. Still, the words have become so familiar that we may not think much about what they mean.
It’s something worth considering, because teamwork is essential if you want to have a successful career and experience work satisfaction. Most major projects can only be completed by relying on the diverse skills of a wide range of participants.
Work relationships also play a big part in being happy on the job and building a strong network that will help you to advance.
Take a closer look at what it takes to be a team player. Study these tips for how to contribute your unique strengths and form positive connections with your coworkers.
Doing Your Job Well
Before you can perform tasks with a group, it’s important to carry out your own responsibilities successfully.
Use these strategies to prove that you have the knowledge, attitude, and skills to excel at your job:
Meet deadlines. Earn trust by completing your work on time and following through with what you say you’re going to do. Your teammates want to know that they can depend on you. If you do run into a delay, inform others promptly so they can update their plans.
Take responsibility. Hold yourself accountable for the quality of your work. Admit it when you make a mistake and show that you learn from experience.
Ask for input. Let your coworkers know that you value their insights and expertise. Ask for advice when you’re working on a complicated project or wondering how to do your routine tasks more effectively.
Continue learning. Picking up new knowledge and skills makes you a more valuable employee and team member. Sign up for training courses at work and attend seminars at your local community college. Subscribe to magazines and attend conferences about your industry.
Interacting with the Team
Even talented individuals will have trouble creating a powerful team if they’re disengaged or arguing with each other. Do your part to establish a sense of purpose and skillful communications.
Consider these ideas:
Make a commitment. Put the mission of the team ahead of your own preferences. Dedicate yourself to reaching your shared goals and supporting your team members.
Think positive. Look for ways to take advantage of apparent setbacks. If a new product launch is taking longer than expected, use the extra time to increase your social media presence and recruit more influencers.
Reach out. Try to get to know your teammates. Maybe you’ll want to socialize outside of the office or just share stories about your children and cats. Lend a hand when you see a colleague falling behind or dealing with extra demands.
Create ground rules. Clear expectations make it easier to work together. Your top priorities may be starting meetings on time and accepting each suggestion as worthy of consideration.
Express appreciation. Tell your coworkers what you like about them. Thank them for sharing their ideas and pitching in with making phone calls.
Provide feedback. Be tactful and direct about commenting on individual and group performance. Focus on finding solutions and making enhancements.
Negotiate agreements. Working as a group may mean doing things differently than you would on your own. Be open to suggestions and willing to try out unfamiliar approaches.
Working well with others will help you to pursue a rewarding career. Open up more opportunities and cultivate valuable contacts by learning to become a great team player.
