5 Ways To Be A Good Team Player At Work

What is a team player?  This basically means someone who can put the team goals and the team accountability ahead of their own individual situation.  Do you know that when it comes to choosing a candidate for a new job or promotion, employers consistently say that they want a 'team player?'

Now why do you think they are looking for a team player and how exactly do you go about showing that you are a team player?  Well, according to some experts, below are 5 solid ways that you can show your dedication to the team.

1) Meet Your Deadlines-

The most common reply when a survey was done on a few executives from large companies about what it meant to be a team player was 'meets deadlines'.  When you are doing one part of a larger project, as is often the case when you are in a team at work, you can hold up everyone else if you don't get your work on time.  A good team player is someone other team members KNOW they can depend on.

 

2) Be Candid-

Companies used to stereotype a team player as someone who worked hard and didn't ask questions. But we must realize that the world has changed. The idea of just supporting things is no longer a valued characteristic of a team player. A team player is expected to appreciate  suggestions and at the same time give constructive criticism. But please bear in mind that this doesn't mean that managers want to be undermined. A team player is now a more involved person in the whole work process. 


3) Adapt Quickly-

You may work with teams whose members are in different locations.  It's likely you'll be a member of several different teams at work too each focused on a different goal.

Today, advances in technology, increased globalization and more diversity in the workplace, team players need to be more complex, adaptive, creative and more flexible.  One way to demonstrate how adaptable you are is to offer to change the way you work if it seems like it would help your team mates.


"Your attitude determines your latitude."  How true this is.  Attitude is very important too. People used to assume that trust among team members had to be built over a long period. In today's fast paced business world, there may not be time for that.  So, successful team members begin by assuming that their co-workers are capable, dependable and of course engaged.


4) Appreciate Others' Work styles-

One person may be good at facilitating communication; another likes to challenge the group's assumptions.  The best teams will have a mix of these styles and members who appreciate each others' contributions.  The really good team player, regardless of style, is somebody who can understand and appreciate and work with people whose style is different from theirs.

5) Avoid Office Politics-

If there is one important point that I cannot stress enough that defines a good team player is that one who avoids politics at work.  This simply means that you don't let yourself get distracted by issues that aren't crucial to the team's mission.  Never get yourself involved in what (office politics) can otherwise jeopardize your contribution to your team.  Stay focused and sharp, this is all you have to do.

The old cliche that teams are only as strong as their weakest member holds true in today's work environment.  By defining goals, recognizing strengths, and helping others, you will give your team a better opportunity of having no weak members whatsoever.  So now you too can also be a good team player at work by learning and understanding these 5 points.  Take note of them and incorporate them when you work as a team.  All the best.