Have you worked for teams where everyone pitches in, and you all work together in perfect harmony? Do you always play to your strengths in a team, or are there times when the group you’re in just doesn’t gel?<\/p>
Either way, teamworking is such a vital way of completing projects that it’s worth developing and refining the skills that will help you make a valuable contribution to whichever type of team you’re in.<\/p>
Sports teams are perfect examples of how many players working together can achieve much more than one player who is acting alone. For example, you may not be the best goal scorer, but you’re great at moving the ball forward. You know that if you pass that ball to the person who can<\/strong> score, the team has a better chance of winning. Everyone on the team plays a different role, according to their strengths \u2013 and by helping and encouraging one another along the way, you can make some inspiring things happen.<\/p> Off the sports pitch and back in the workplace, we hear the term “good team player” a lot. But what does it really mean in a business context? What do leaders want from team members, and how can you make a more significant contribution to your team?<\/p> These are some of the questions we address in this article. We show you what makes a good team player, and we offer some tips on how to make a bigger contribution in the future.<\/p>\n\n Teams are created for several reasons. They may need to deliver a one-time project or work together on an ongoing basis. Either way, if you take advantage of a group’s collective energy and creativity, the team can accomplish much more in less time.<\/p> What does this mean for you? Well, teams are probably an integral part of how things are done in your organization. If you show that you have the ability to work well with others, this could have a major impact on your career.<\/p>\n\n Being a valuable team member can open new career opportunities, as leaders may see firsthand what a great job you’re doing. You may even be asked to bring your strengths into play in another team setting \u2013 and in higher profile, business-critical projects.<\/p> This is why learning to be a good team player is so important. If you make a good impression, you never know what possibilities might open for you. The following five ideas will make you stand out as a top team player.<\/p>\n\n Do you know what you do best?<\/p> Perhaps you’re incredibly organized. Or, you might excel at motivating people, helping resolve disagreements, or researching hard-to-find information.<\/p> Whatever your strengths, you have something valuable to offer. Find a role within your team that allows you to do what you do well. This will help you make a meaningful contribution \u2013 and increase your chances of doing a great job. Plus, it’s usually much easier, and more satisfying, to do tasks when you’re naturally good at them.<\/p> Teams usually come together to handle an issue that’s difficult, if not impossible, for people to do on their own. When a group works well together, creativity levels are generally higher, as people tap into one another’s strengths. <\/p> This often leads to increased productivity, and an inspiring sense of collaboration and cooperation that moves everyone \u2013 and the project \u2013 forward.<\/p> The most successful teams don’t just combine different technical skills; they also allow members to take on more general roles that cross traditional functional lines. <\/p> Here, we’ve outlined three different models, which show you what these roles are. If you’d like to know more \u2013 or to help you discover which roles are best for you \u2013 then click on the links below.<\/p> <\/p> Belbin's Team Roles<\/a><\/strong><\/p> The Belbin model says that people tend to assume “team roles” \u2013 and there are nine such roles that underlie the team’s success. [1] These roles are as follows:<\/p> Team leaders use the Belbin model to make sure there is the right balance of strengths and weaknesses on their team.<\/p> <\/p> Benne and Sheats' Group Roles<\/a><\/strong><\/p> This is an interesting way of looking at group roles that identifies both positive and negative behavior within a group. [2] Some people are helpful and supportive, some people just want to get the job done, and some cause disagreement within the team.<\/p> There are 26 different group roles, which can be played by one or more people within the team. Those roles are divided into the following categories:<\/p> <\/p> Margerison-McCann Team Management Profile<\/a><\/strong><\/p> The Team Management Profile is a psychometric tool used for team development. It measures people’s preferences for gathering information, relating to others, making decisions, and organizing themselves and others. <\/p> The eight role preferences are:<\/p> There is also a “linker” role, to coordinate everyone’s work, which is generally carried out by the team leader.<\/p>\n\n On the occasions that teams don’t function well, it’s often because there’s a lack of communication and understanding about what the group’s objectives are.<\/p> If you want to be a good team player, make sure you understand the group’s goals. Ask key questions like these:<\/p> Be clear about what you’re there to do. This will help you complete your tasks to the best of your abilities.<\/p>\n\n We’ve probably all worked with people who have made promises they didn’t keep. It’s frustrating when someone says one thing and does another, and it can really slow a group’s progress.<\/p> You can be a valuable asset to your team simply by delivering what you said you would do \u2013 on time. For some people, it’s all too easy (and, unfortunately, quite common) to make promises they can’t keep. <\/p> But you may really surprise and impress people by following through on what you say you’ll do. If you commit to completing something for the group by the end of the day, make sure you do it. If you say you’ll attend the 3:30 p.m. meeting, don’t be late.<\/p> Being reliable also applies to the work you do for the group. If you have high standards, people will depend on you to produce quality work. If your output is excellent one day, but only average the next, the team may regard you as being unreliable.<\/p>\n\n Be involved and active within the group. If you sit silently while someone else discusses an idea that you know won’t work, you could damage the team’s chances of achieving its outcomes. If you’ve got an alternative suggestion that might be more effective, then share it with the group.<\/p> The opposite applies as well: if people discuss a plan that you think is great, then speak up. Tell them what an inspiring idea you think it is. They might really need and appreciate your support, even if they don’t show it.<\/p> When you communicate with your team members \u2013 whether showing support or challenging their thinking \u2013 it’s important to stay positive and respectful. Even if you disagree with someone, don’t become emotional. Being objective and fair will make a good impression; getting upset and angry won’t.<\/p>\n\n If you’ve ever worked with a team, you know that things can change quickly. People may join or leave the group, budgets may be reduced, or goals may be redefined.<\/p> The best team players know how to be flexible. They don’t fight change \u2013 instead, they see it as a new opportunity for growth.<\/p> You may find that the group members, the approaches you use, and the goals you started with have all changed by the time you’ve finished. By staying flexible, you can take advantage of the new opportunities that arise during the project, and you’ll be able to help others do the same.<\/p> Your willingness to remain comfortable and positive in a constantly changing environment is an important business skill \u2013 and your boss will likely notice.<\/p>\n\n Being a good team player isn’t always easy. Teams are usually created to solve difficult problems, and they often have tight deadlines and strict budgets. But this can be your chance to shine. Look at teamwork as not only a challenge but a great opportunity.<\/p> Help your team by using your strengths, clearly understanding your role, and staying flexible and reliable until the project is completed. Be positive, and help others as much as you can. <\/p> By being cooperative and willing to work hard, you’ll make a good impression on everyone \u2013 including your boss.<\/p><\/div><\/div> <\/p>The Importance of Great Team Players<\/h2>\n\n
How to Become a Great Team Player<\/h2>\n\n
Use Your Strengths<\/h3>\n\n
Understand the Team’s Objectives<\/h3>\n\n
Be Reliable<\/h3>\n\n
Be a Good Communicator<\/h3>\n\n
Stay Flexible<\/h3>\n\n
Tips for Being a Good Team Member<\/h2>\n\n
Key Points<\/h4>\n\n