10 Qualities of a Team Player

Teamwork is essential in most jobs and a breakdown in teamwork is responsible for many of the problems in the work place.

Below are the list of qualities I think is essential for being a team player.

A team player is reliable.

A reliable person can be counted on to fulfill any commitments they’ve made and work hard to ensure that they get the job done. Reliable people are great to work with because you know you can give them important jobs to do without having to worry if they will be done in time.

A team player communicates constructively

A constructive communicator is good at expressing their thoughts and ideas in an honest an helpful way that shows respect for their fellow team members. When they give feedback they aren’t critical or negative. In other words they don’t criticize, they critique.

A team player listen actively

A good listener is open to new ideas and points of view. They listen to everyone equally without closing themselves off. Good listeners understand that there are always ways to improve things, they take criticism well without becoming defensive and assuming other person are attacking them.

A team player functions as an active part of the team

An active participant engages with all team members and takes the initiative to lead group discussions. They come prepared to get involved in the give and take of group work, instead of sitting quietly offering little contribution

A team player shares openly and willingly

A helpful person doesn’t hold back information or skills that could assist other people. When they see someone doing a task they could help with, they share their knowledge and experience to move the project forward.

A team player cooperates and pitches in to help

A cooperative person understands that there's no I in team, so they can work with others without dominating them and forcing them to do things their way. Cooperative people also understand that sometimes people need assistance. When they see someone struggling they take initiative and help the person out.

A team player exhibits flexibility

An Adaptable people can adjust to the ever changing world of teamwork and doesn’t complain or get stressed when a change requires the project to go in a new direction. Adaptable people can compromise when needed and have strong opinions but can consider the viewpoints of others.

A team player shows commitment to the team

A dedicated person cares about the quality of their work and the work of the team. They always put in a good effort and help their teammates to do the same. When they see something that could improve the work of team or the way things are done, they offer suggestions in an effort to make the team work better.

A team player is a good problem solver

A good problem solver doesn’t look at a situation and think, “This is too hard I won’t do it” and they don’t look for someone to blame for the problem. They instead look at a situation and think, “What can we do to move past this problem and what can we do to make sure this doesn’t happen again”.

A team player treats others in a respectful and supportive manner

A respectful person shows consideration for others, they think about how their actions will impact on others. While they act professional in what they say and do, they know how to have a joke and aren’t super serious all the time.

Hopefully you’ve learnt something that you can use the next time you’re in a team work situation and make everyone think what an excellent team player you are.