How to Be a Successful Team Player at Work

It's important to be a good team player at work.

Playing well with others is a skill you can develop, like all other skills. You can be a more effective employee overall if you get along well in a team environment. Here is how to increase your value with management.

Instructions

1. Do not promote conflict with fellow employees. Act like an adult in any team setting. Adults are the ones who get noticed for their cooperative attitude and ability to get along with others. Be wary of trouble makers and don't get sucked into their bad mouthing and complaining.

2. Try to help others in the group. You can do this by asking for their input, valuing their remarks and encouraging them to go forward with their good ideas. If you can show an ability to motivate others, particularly the introverted team members, you will be noticed.

3. Have impeccable work habits. This means being on time, showing up every day, working to your potential and not goofing off. Your managers will see you as worthy of development and further training if you have the right attitude and follow through.

4. Support your supervisor. You may have heard the expression "don't bite the hand that feeds you." This is imperative if you want to get ahead at work. Getting ahead sometimes means that you get a larger pay raise than others in your group as well as promotions.

5. Be a problem solver in your team. This means that you are willing to take on hard tasks and see them to completion. You may be surprised just how much you can accomplish if you set your mind to doing something. Get the help you need from other team members or go outside your group for knowledge and expertise if needed. You will become known as a worker who knows how to get things done.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are disruptive in the workplace, something is wrong. Maybe this isn't the best job fit for you. Find a job that is.

References

• MindTools: How to Be a Good Team Player