Are You Seen as a Team Player?

Do people see you as a team player? Or, maybe you think you are, and others may not? 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. Showing up as a committed member of the team from the beginning allows you to be seen as a team player. 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.

Use these tips to be seen as a team player:

1. Make a commitment. Put the mission of the team ahead of your own preferences. Strong team members care about their work, the team, and the team’s work. Dedicate yourself to reaching your shared goals and supporting your team members.
2. Be reliable. Show your team members they can rely on you to do your part. Be consistent all the time, not just some of the time, and follow through on your assignments.
3. 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. Create the ground rules the team will use when there is disagreement or issues at the first meeting of the team.
4. Active Listening. It is sometimes easy to get distracted during meetings. It’s important to stay focused and pay attention to what is being said by others. If appropriate, paraphrase back what you heard to confirm you heard it correctly.
5. Active participant. You don’t want to be the flower on the wall. Your team members expect you to participate in the discussion, bring your expertise, and knowledge to help the team succeed. Even if you are an introvert, make sure your voice is heard. Your team members will appreciate it.
6. 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.

Being a good team player is important to the overall success of any team. How you show up and participate helps you be seen as a team player. Keep your ego in check and know that it requires all the expertise on the team to reach the goal. Be that team player that helps the team get to the finish line.