Are you the new kid on the block? Have you joined an existing team? Are you wondering how it’s going to work out? How can I be a great team player? These are some of the questions that new team members ask themselves. We know from working with people just like you that settling into a new team can create great anxiety. So, what if I told you that you can do something about this? Would it make you feel more like you could influence the outcome? Over many years of working with teams, people just like you tell us they wish they had some knowledge and skills so they could join a new team with confidence. So here you go. Read on for ways to become an effective team member and some actions you can put in place today. Take a look and give them a go. OR share with others you know are just about to join a new team. And this is for you as a team leader too, share it with each of your new team members as they come on board.
What’s a team player?
A team player contributes to a group in order to complete tasks, coordinate projects and meet goals and deadlines. Team players are good listeners. They actively listen to their co-workers. They respect where the team is at when they join and work collaboratively with other team members. Effective team players understand that their team’s success is their own success. Great team players accept responsibility for their own work and that of the team as a whole.
How can you be an effective team player?
I think and research tells us that it’s all in the non – technical skills. Have you heard of the difference between technical and non-technical skills? Good team members are those that are technically proficient and also know how non-technical skills are required to do the job and collaborate with the team well. It’s this that can help you achieve something greater than you ever could on your own. Spend time and energy learning about and developing your non-technical skills. To get started, here are 6 qualities you can focus on to be a better team player:
1. Get to know your role (quickly). Do everything you can to find out what your job and role is. This way you’ll understand your role within the team and focus on the work that matters. We suggest you ask your team leader, talk about and write down the key parts of your role. We know you will have a job description, but I encourage you to go further. This will help you identify the boundaries of your role and get to work with confidence.
2. Bring on collaboration. Working in a team means you can’t work alone! You are expected to work with your team members right from the get go and this isn’t always easy. There will be a mix of different opinions and ideas. You’ll want to get on with your new role, but please hold up and even if you think you’ve got the answer or think you know the best way forward, please take time to listen to all ideas before putting yours forward. Listen to the difference and gather and include the thoughts of others. It will enrich your work and also ensure you are accepted into the team quickly.
3. Back yourself and be accountable. Take the pressure off. You’re not expected to know everything right from the get go. Get comfortable with making a mistake or two. Yes for real this is likely to happen. The trick is to know this and then take responsibility for any hiccups or mistakes. As soon as the hiccup / mistake occurs, take time to work with others in your team to come up with some solutions.
4. Develop your flexibility muscle. Be open to change. Accept tasks given to you, even the ones you aren’t keen on. Being flexible means you’ll learn more and be able to help your team more. Look at every opportunity as a chance to learn and develop your skills.
5. Be positive and build your positive attitude. This can be more difficult than it sounds. Be responsible for your own energy and bring this energy into your team. This helps every day and especially when things get stressful.
6. Make a commitment to your team. The sooner you can invest in your team the better. This means making a commitment to settle in as quickly as you can. Bring your positive energy and attitude. This way you’ll contribute positively to the team morale in no time.
10 tips on how to be a better team player
I came across this great article the other day which highlights 10 ways to be a better team player. Here they are:
- Be a good communicator
- Be a problem solver
- Know your role (and your limits)
- Take initiative
- Stick to your deadlines
- Know your strengths
- Support and be supported
- Share information
- Understand your team’s objectives
- Be open-minded
Click on here. Take a read of the ones that spark your interest.
Over to You
I hope you’ve gained some tips here to help you settle into your new role and team. Be proactive and positive. Take time to understand and start to action non-technical skills. They really are the glue that will hold your team together and help it to become really effective. Please take one or two or maybe even three things from this article and put them in place today. Good luck. And please feel free to reach out to me here if you think I can help in any way.
Until next time!
