What qualities make a good team player at work?

There are many hallmarks of a good team player, but?the most pertinent traits tie back to supporting and facilitating. The more you can do to build people up and make their work easier, the more cohesive the team will be. And that can pay off in terms of productivity and results.

Here are five characteristics that make an effective team player:

1. Flexibility

Collaboration is all about compromise—and flexibility. When presented with difficult timetables or deliverables, try to meet your peers halfway. Start a dialogue about what’s reasonable and what’s not and do your best to accommodate their needs.

Flexibility doesn’t mean bending over backwards, granted. In a team environment, it’s important that everyone do their fair share and strive for quality work. Don’t be afraid to push back where you see missed responsibilities or poor accountability. But always come from a place of good intent and assume the same of your teammates.

2. Active listening

Collaboration often evokes feelings of sociability and shared ideas. While that’s certainly accurate, it’s equally important to take time to listen and reflect.

Make sure you’re putting as much energy into other people’s ideas as you do your own. If you catch yourself talking for the majority of a team meeting, cede the floor to those who haven’t spoken. Invite those who might normally feel intimidated to share their thoughts.

When listening to your peers, let them see you’re engaged. Make eye contact, and keep the body language positive (e.g., smiling, nodding). By being an active listener, you show others you value their input. Not only does this build trust; it also encourages innovation and creativity.

3. Problem-solving

Collaborating also means being able to think critically and solve issues when they arise. While problem-solving often pertains to projects or tasks, it also applies to people.?

A great team player doubles as a great intermediator in times of conflict. When team members aren’t seeing eye to eye on a certain project, put your active listening to good use. Consider the different sides of the argument and try to be impartial and respective of all points of view.?

Remind your peers that you’re all working toward the same goals. By?establishing good intent?from all parties, you can ensure conflict that’s constructive, rather than detrimental. And that’ll help the teamwork toward a healthier resolution.

4. Effective communication

To be a strong team facilitator, you also need top-notch communication skills. And that starts with a thorough understanding of your teammates’ natural behavioral tendencies.

Say you’re highly extraverted and informal. If your peers carry themselves similarly, the best way to communicate may be with a group meeting or impromptu Slack thread. But if people are more reserved or rather formal, you may get better results with 1-on-1 conversations or emails.

In short, share information in a way that?fits your teammates’ needs. And strive to do so while being honest and transparent.

5. Positive attitude

While not a technical skill, positivity can be instrumental when looking to become a better team player. Think of it as the hidden x-factor you can leverage anytime, anywhere.

Bring energy and enthusiasm to every team meeting. Offer help to your colleagues where you see an opportunity. Find new ways to collaborate with and learn from one another. Above all, celebrate your team’s successes—and encourage everyone to accept failure with grace.?

By maintaining that positivity, you can help break down walls that hinder communication and stifle collaboration. Teammates may feel more comfortable bringing ideas to you or seeking your support. And in turn, they may be more willing to lend a hand when you need it most.

Content from: https://www.predictiveindex.com/blog/team-player/