Are you being an effective team mate?

Premium is placed on team-working in the workplace and when we think about teamwork many tend to think about others. I believe for strong teamwork to happen, we must start with ourselves. So, how do you assess if you are a team player? Below are some thoughts.

You are reliable and accountable: Because you want colleagues to succeed. You are helpful, loyal and able to positively reinforce the impact of the team. Sometimes, this might mean, for example, knowing a little more than your area of core responsibility in order to give an informed perspective, be a sounding board for a colleague, make choices that are considerate of others or help out when colleagues are in distress trying to meet deadlines.

You earn confidence and trust: Because others have faith in your ability to do your part of the team task on time and to the standard required; to pull together with the team, soak the pressure that might come with any work overload juggling a number of tasks and working out the most time efficient way to get assignments done, works with minimum supervision and stick to commitments.

You show emotional maturity: By giving credit where it belongs, not taking things personally, managing your own morale, improving your communication style and receiving constructive feedback graciously.  Also not act in a way that suggests that you see your job as more important compared to others’, are the colleague you expect others to be, not quick to judge others or place too much importance on your own opinions in team decision making.

You are self-motivated: By setting self-imposed deadlines and demonstrating a strong organised effort, push and energy to do what it takes to get something done. You move forward on your own initiative, demonstrate enough drive to set your own ground rules and live by them, anticipate needs of the team, show ambition to perform, focus on what matters and be highly productive.

Now take action: Identify one way in which you can become a better team player.