Teamwork brings individuals together in a coordinated effort to work towards a common goal. While most of us are not Olympians, we do work in different types of teams. Here are five actions you can take to become a better team collaborator, inspire your teammates, and help your team become high performing.
Hold Yourself Accountable
Accountability is fundamental to being a great teammate. Do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going to do it. Take responsibility for your work and deliver high-quality results on time. If you can’t meet a deadline, inform those who are waiting for your work as soon as possible. Don’t make your teammates or other stakeholders chase you down; this means more work for them.
I follow through on what I promise to do.I deliver a high-quality work product.I accomplish the tasks assigned to me on time. If I can’t meet the deadline, I let others know in advance, and offer solutions to meet the team’s needs.
Support Your Colleagues
As a supportive team member, you give your colleagues what you can to help them do their best work. This can be emotional support, teaching them something that you know, and/or sharing constructive feedback to help them grow. When you see the opportunity to support your teammates, do so. And don’t forget to ask them for help when you need it.
I share information clearly and in a timely manner when it affects my colleagues’ work.I offer positive and constructive feedback to the leader and other members.I support the leader and other members to accomplish the team’s goals.
Put the Team First
With a “we” mentality, you work to ensure the team’s goal is clearly defined and collectively shared. So when it comes to critical decisions, everyone can act in the best interests of the team. Instead of trying to be the best or get the credit, take initiative to do what it takes to help the team accomplish its goal. This may mean stepping in where you see a gap or setting your tasks aside for the time being. The team’s success is your success, too.
I understand the goal of my team and how I can help achieve that goal.I share credit with teammates because it takes a collective effort to accomplish great work.I recognize the needs of the team and volunteer to perform tasks that need to get done.
Listen and Learn
Every team member is crucial to the success of the team as a whole, and every team member deserves to be heard. Each person has a unique contribution and perspective. Listen to your teammates to understand what their needs are and why they feel or think the way they do. Reserve judgement, identify your biases, and see what you can learn from your teammates.
I actively listen to my colleagues’ ideas and avoid making snap judgements. I ask questions of my colleagues and seek to understand, even when I disagree.I am open to changing my position based on the ideas of my teammates.I invite others to question my thinking.
Be Positive and Respectful
A positive attitude makes you a better team member. Feelings of gratitude and respect lift team spirits, create trust, and allow space for vulnerability and making mistakes, crucial ingredients for growth. In addition, studies find that a culture of positivity is more productive as reflected by increased customer satisfaction and a greater bottom line.
I treat each person with warmth and respect, honoring the unique individual they are.I manage my emotions at work and find constructive outlets for my emotions.I avoid complaining and expressing emotions that might negatively influence others. I find appropriate ways to share concerns and frustrations.
Like the best athletes, it’s important that we strive to better ourselves not just for us, but for those around us. Read more about building a team at TechCo
