Search results
- They’re Excellent with Digital Communication. Mastery of digital communication is first on this list for a reason. That’s because, without it, all of the other qualities here are undermined.
- They’re Agile to Change. The modern team player thrives on adaptability. The work environment is rapidly evolving, and these individuals can adjust on the fly.
- They’re Skillful with Virtual Collaboration. Good team members collaborate online with skill and ease. They understand: Scheduling across time zones. Equal participation in virtual meetings.
- They’re Innovative at Problem-Solving. Innovative problem-solvers are a vital asset to remote and hybrid environments. They can work around technology glitches, and they take the initiative to find the resources they need.
- Overview
- What is a team player?
- 6 qualities of a team player
- 10 traits team players commonly have
- Benefits of being a team player
Teamwork is an important part of maintaining a successful workflow in many workplaces. For most teams, collaborating and coordinating with others is a necessary part of completing assigned tasks. Knowing how you can help your team accomplish goals efficiently can make you a valuable asset to both coworkers and your employer.In this article, we expl...
A team player is someone who prioritizes the goals of the team rather than just their interests. Team players often believe the best way to achieve personal success is to help their entire team succeed. For example, a strong team player might volunteer to work late to help their coworkers achieve a goal. They're often loyal, flexible and reliable p...
1. Good listener
A team player listens intentionally. Good listeners always pay attention to their team members' ideas and suggestions. If you're willing to listen to a teammate while working toward a common goal, you may discover they have important insights. Individuals frequently have different perspectives when solving problems and making decisions, so getting input from each team member can be valuable. Team players willing to listen can help the team become more cohesive and effective.Example: Kwame notices Casey seems irritated during a morning meeting. He seeks her out afterward and learns she has several suggestions for improving the workflow in the office. Her ideas differ from anything the team has tried before, but Kwame listens carefully before making a judgment because he realizes Casey's unique perspective could benefit the office.Read more: Qualities of a Good Listener and How To Be One
2. Adaptable
Team players can fill whatever role they can to help. Team players aren't stubborn or selfish in assigning roles because they know focusing on themselves can decrease teamwork and lead to worse results. They also realize they might get the particular task they prefer, but they continue to do their best, no matter the situation. Even if they start a project with one responsibility, and the team lead asks them to shift their focus to another role, they embrace the opportunity and continue to work hard.Example: Elvira prefers to take a leadership role when discussing financial decisions because she has the most experience. However, when her manager asks her to allow a teammate to take charge of the new month's budget, she agrees to take a step back and assumes her new role as a support for her coworker.Read more: Adaptability in the Workplace: Benefits and Importance
3. Aware of others
A team player often knows how other team members might contribute to a project. They know their team well enough to know which tasks might suit which of their coworkers. A team player is also willing to admit when someone else might complete a task more efficiently than they can. While they don't give their work to someone else, they're willing to ask for help from someone they know has more experience or a more specific set of skills.Example: Brian's adapting to the company's new graphic design software. When his design team is told to create a detailed graphic using the new technology, he asks a junior employee to join him on the project. He knows the newer employee likely will receive more commendation for a good result than he will, but he values the project's success over his desire for recognition.Related: Elements of Success in Teamwork (With Benefits and Tips)
Here are some more traits common among team players to help you understand how you can improve your skills:
1.Open-minded: Being willing to understand new perspectives and admit when you're wrong can benefit the entire team and ensure there are no disagreements.
2.Active problem solver: Taking the initiative to troubleshoot any issues the team faces and being proactive about solving them can help reduce workflow delays and ensure the team meets its goals.
3.Positive: Keeping a positive outlook at work can influence others to do the same. This can make the workplace more enjoyable for everyone and improve collaboration.
4.Accountable: Taking responsibility for any mistakes you make and helping to fix them can help others on the team trust you more because it shows them you're committed to the overall mission.
5.Professional: Dressing, speaking and acting professionally can help encourage more positive, appropriate work behaviors, and it may make your supervisors and peers more willing to rely on you in a team.
Other than improving a team's productivity and influencing more positive results, being a team player can have many personal and professional benefits, including:
•Increase innovation: Engaging with your peers and encouraging them to share their ideas about projects or processes can help you discover new, more efficient ways to do things. This can help you innovate your workflow and allow you to reach your goals more easily.
•Encourage personal growth: Actively trying to exhibit the qualities of a team player can let you improve on your weaknesses and become a more well-rounded, skilled professional.
•Create new career options: Being a team player often includes assuming leadership responsibilities and viewing projects from management's perspective. This can help you improve your qualifications and allow you to advance in your career.
•Reduce burnout: Encouraging teamwork and optimism can help create a more positive workplace and lead to higher professional satisfaction among you and your peers. This can help you avoid burnout and be engaged more consistently at work.
- Self-aware. In order to be a great team player, it’s crucial to have an unbiased awareness of what you’re good at and what you suck at. As legendary entrepreneur and YouTube star Gary Vaynerchuk says: “Self-awareness is being able to accept your weaknesses while focusing all of your attention on your strengths.”
- Committed to mastery. If you’re content to let your skills stagnate, then you will never fulfill your potential as a strong team member in any organization.
- Intrinsically motivated. Most employees are heavily motivated by financial gain. This isn’t a good thing or a bad thing; it’s just an economic reality.
- Reliable. While most employers prioritize personality traits over skills to a preposterous extent, reliability is another one of those essential characteristics of a team player that every employer should screen for.
- Emotional intelligence. The first in our list of qualities of a good team member is emotional intelligence. The ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and those of others is indispensable in the workplace.
- Communication skills. A great team member is a good communicator. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re talkative but rather that they know how to communicate with others effectively.
- A strong commitment to goals – but flexibility in their approach. Former US president Dwight D. Eisenhower is quoted as saying that “plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”
- Accountability and responsibility. Great team members take accountability and responsibility for their own work and that of the entire team. A team functions as a single unit, and every member must pull their weight.
Sep 16, 2020 · Efficient teams are the hallmark of an industry-leading business. Having a cohesive, high-performing team can set your business apart within your industry and ensure the success of your...
Jul 15, 2024 · A good team player is more than just a passive member of the team. These types of teammates encourage and motivate their peers, helping to make sure everyone stays focused on the task at hand. They are willing to take the time to listen to their team members’ ideas and provide constructive feedback to help them improve.
People also ask
What makes a good teammate?
What are the qualities of a good team member?
Does a great team member make a good leader?
What makes a successful remote and hybrid team?
Aug 3, 2023 · A good team player understands the importance of diversity and works towards fostering an inclusive atmosphere. They recognize and appreciate the individual strengths and viewpoints that each team member brings. They make sure everyone feels valued and respected in the work environment.
