To succeed Team Work is what matters...

The Importance of a Good Team Player

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.

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.

Being a valuable team member can open new career opportunities, because leaders may see firsthand what a great job you're doing. You may even be invited to bring your strengths into play in another team setting – and in higher profile, business-critical projects. 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.

Use Your Strengths

Do you know what you do best?

Perhaps you're incredibly organized. Or, you might excel at motivating people, helping resolve disagreement, or researching hard-to-find information.

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 – 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.

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. This often leads to increased productivity, and an inspiring sense of collaboration and cooperation that moves everyone – and the project – forward.

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.

The Belbin model says that people tend to assume "team roles" – and there are nine such roles that underlie the team's success. These roles are as follows:

• Shapers – people who challenge the team to improve.
• Implementers – the people who get things done.
• Completer-Finishers – the people who see that projects are completed thoroughly.
• Coordinators – people who take on the traditional team leader role.
• Team Workers – people who are negotiators, and make sure the team is working together.
• Resource Investigators – people who work with external stakeholders to help the team meet its objectives.
• Plants – people who come up with new ideas and approaches.
• Monitor-Evaluators – people who analyze and evaluate ideas that other people come up with.
• Specialists – people with specialist knowledge that's needed to get the job done.

Team leaders use the Belbin model to make sure there is the right balance of strengths and weaknesses on their team.

Understand the Team's Objectives

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.

If you want to be a good team player, make sure you understand the group's goals. Ask key questions like these:

• Why are we here?
• What is the 'perfect ending' to this project?
• What is our deadline?
• How often will we meet?
• What is our budget?
• Who is in charge of implementing our ideas?
• What roles and responsibilities will each of us have?

Be clear about what you're there to do. This will help you complete your tasks to the best of your abilities.

Be Reliable

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.

You can be a valuable asset to your team simply by delivering what you said you would do – on time.

Be a Good Communicator

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're got an alternative suggestion that might be more effective, then share it with the group.

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.

When you communicate with your team members – whether showing support, or challenging their thinking – 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.

Stay Flexible

If you've ever worked with a team, you probably know that things can change quickly. People may join or leave the group, budgets may be reduced, or goals may be redefined.

The best team players know how to be flexible. They don't fight change – instead, they see it as a new opportunity for growth.

You may find that 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.

Your willingness to remain comfortable and positive in a constantly changing environment is an important business skill – and your boss will likely notice.

Tips for Being a Good Team Member

• Don't cherry-pick projects. It can be tempting to choose only those projects that seem easier, or ones that offer more benefits. But if you choose more difficult projects, and accept what's offered to you, you'll earn a reputation for being a hard worker. Your boss will notice your willingness to take on a challenge, and it will pay off in the long term.
• Support other people on your team by offering positive feedback, and providing help if they need it. Your willingness to collaborate and help others will make a good impression on both the group and upper management.
• Share information and resources with your team. Remember, you're all there for one purpose – and by keeping everyone informed, you contribute to that goal. If you have past experiences or knowledge that can help others, then offer it. They'll appreciate the help.
• Keep a positive attitude. If you complain, delay, or give the tough assignments to others, people will notice – and they may start to avoid you. A positive attitude can be a refreshing change, and it will help others stay focused and productive as well.

Key Points

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.

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. By being cooperative and willing to work hard, you'll make a good impression on everyone – including your boss.