How to Be a Great Team Player

You are a very confident and independent solo player, when it comes to work? No?

Many persons - myself inclusive - are very confident, solutions-oriented, and independent solo performers. This means to a large extent you can get shit done all by yourself. Bravo! I admire that a lot! But the big question now is How Well Do You Play In A Team?

Playing in a team is almost somewhat inevitable in a work space. You can't imagine how lofty solo-accomplishments could be cheapened by poor team playing. You don’t want that!

Team work is so important that it is virtually impossible for you to reach the heights of your capabilities or make the money that you want without becoming very good at it –Brian Tracy.

Be Honest and Straight Forward

Honesty is relevant for building trust. Only family members perhaps might trust you, even if you are not honest. Asking for same from team mates, would be asking a whole lot.
Be forthcoming and Straight forward with your team mates. Don’t get shady when picking or assigning tasks.

Be Flexible

It is easier and safer to stick to one’s comfort zone. But comfort zones are not healthy for the team. Be willing to make changes and adjust when necessary and at the pace of the team! That is the team spirit!

Be Reliable

Can your team mates rely on you, when it counts? Yes, you need to answer that. Every team player needs to know with a high degree of assurance, that they can count on their team mate. Be the team mate they can rely on! Develop and show a good sense of deadlines.

Be Fair

Yes, you are giving your best, take credit for that. But let other team mates take credit for their tasks well done. It’s good for the team ego and of course its success.

Cultivate Good Communication

In a team made of different personalities, communication gaps can exist. To have a functional team heading for success, as a great team player, find and understand ways to communicate with other members of your team. Be sure to communicate ideas and information in the clearest ways possible. It also saves productive time!

Show Positive Attitude

Sheer positivity is a relevant recipe for being an excellent team player. Show support and be positive about team activities and projects. The Optimist is a leader

Great things in business are never done by one person; they are done by a team of people –Steve Jobs

Understand Team Objectives

What are your team’s objectives? How well are you contributing to its success? How much do you complement other skills in your team, toward achieving its objectives? Having a clear understanding of your team’s objective, is pertinent to team success. If you don’t understand the team objective, it’s not too late to reevaluate.

A Word from Me

Working in a team does not have to be so much hassle. Doing the right practices and having the right attitudes gets you going. You only get better with time. Give your best in your team, and you could be surprised at how much can be achieved by a group of people.

Here is a summary of the tips on being a great team player:

Be upfront in your deeds. Be sure to present yourself as an honest and trustworthy member of the team.
Always be ready to accept whatever is thrown towards you. Bottom line, accept challenges!
Be reliable. Always meet your deadlines.
Take credit for your work and give credit to other team mates who deserve it.
Always communicate your ideas in the best and clearest way.
Be optimistic! Optimism is King!
Understand your team objective. If not, what exactly are you doing?

Thanks a lot for doing this with me!
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I would love to know your thoughts about team playing in the comment section!

Image sources
Image by WikiImages from Pixabay, licensed under creative commons and eligible for commercial use.