In any organization, you may find that many employees acknowledge the importance of being a team player. However, a lot of team members might face difficulty in practicing to be a good team player. It is important that individuals know how to be team players; maintain peace amongst the team and avoid any kind of issues.
If you’re an employee struggling to be a team player in the workplace; here are some ways you can practice or adapt to how to be a team player.
Help teammates through challenges
If a team member is focused on becoming a great team player; it is important that you gain and regard the trust of your teammates. You might never know that a simple task for you; maybe a task one of your teammates is struggling with. When you begin to help out your colleagues, this would only benefit in improving the team’s problem-solving capacity.
Make sure that you listen to your teammates when they come to you asking for help. If you are already busy with your tasks; you can tell them a specific time when you would be able to help them out. If you also feel that the problem your colleague is stuck with, is something even you can’t solve; the best you can do is try connecting them; with any other team member or colleague who could be of better help.
One of the key things on how to be a team player; at the workplace will also require that you take a stand for your colleagues if you feel they are being sidelined, and not being included in team discussions.
When a new team member joins your team; help them feel comfortable and also try to help them make a good impression. You can always offer to help them adjust by offering your help if you feel they need it.
Utilize your strengths correctly to become a team player
In any company, you will find that every team consists of individuals with complementing skill sets. The core reason behind this is that each team member is required to make sure; that their strength and skills help in achieving the team’s goals.
Many great organizations believe and encourage their employees to bring their best; in this way, the individuals can contribute to their teams in the best manner by bringing in their best strengths.
Recognizing and giving credit to team members
You may get the opportunity to either put down your colleagues or appreciate them; this can happen on an everyday basis. It all depends on how you want to become a team player and the choice depends on you. When you begin to appreciate or recognize the work of your colleagues and give them individual credit despite working as a team. This can help boost your teammate’s morals and as well as bring positivity to your team and the organization. You can start off by noticing how other members are recognizing; the efforts of other team members and it might also include you at times.
You also need to give credit to the people who are recognizing the efforts of others and yourself as well. You can also look for people who talk less and keep to themselves but are great at performing tasks; you can also recognize their efficiency and give them credit. Other workers like to stay out of the limelight yet complete their tasks without expecting any recognition. As being a good team player, you can take time out to recognize the efforts of such members; this will create an encouraging environment within your team.
Create healthy boundaries
If you would prefer that others respect your space and boundaries; then you also need to make sure that you create healthy boundaries. In case, you might think how this could be helpful; it will create an example that your team is a well-function team; that has strong and respectable terms with each other. It will improve the working culture of your team.
You can simply create boundaries such as refusing to work in situations you are not comfortable with. Making sure you ask others before you add more tasks for them to do. Do not unnecessarily give feedback, support, or advice if your teammates have not asked for it. Also, it is advisable that you keep your work and personal life separate.
Effective communication
If you’re still wondering how to be a team player at the workplace, you need to keep in mind that effective communication between your team is very important.
Make sure that you communicate in a clear form without refraining from information; listen to what your team members might have to say, and make sure you’re transparent in your communication. This way there will be no hesitation between you and your teammates and overall there will be a positive effect on your team.
Read more: How to make your work environment better
