How to be an Effective Team Member

It is very likely that you are not the only one working in an organization. There are coworkers who you have to work with to ensure the company’s growth. Occasionally, you may even be a member of a smaller team required to carry out a specific task within or outside the organization. You are required to contribute your quota for the tasks' success, but how do you achieve this?

The essence of any team is collaboration for a goal or goals. To be an effective team member, you need to collaborate with the other team members by contributing everything you can and avoiding acts that jeopardize others' contributions.

Communication within a team is very important. It brings everybody on the same page and keeps them updated. When you have ideas that could foster the team's growth, ensure to mention it through the accepted communication channel. And if there is something else you do not understand, contact the right team member and ask about it.

Support and encourage others. There is room for competition, but it must be healthy to avoid developing a toxic relationship between two team members. Listen attentively and give support when others give ideas. If the idea appears faulty, ensure that you mention it in the most polite manner. The feedback sandwich should come in handy in this regard.

Arrive in time for meetings and participate actively. And finally, accept that not all your suggestions will be adopted. Even when you think you have given a wonderful idea, try to explain if others do not get it. And if, in the end, they still do not think it would work, learn to find a way to work with what they have chosen instead.