How to Work on a Team

In business, while it is important to have strong individuals, it is also important to have strong teams available. There are certain things that cannot be accomplished just on the basis of one sole member and a team needs to be formed. While a good team needs a strong leader, it also needs a strong foundation of people who know how to work on a team. By following a series of guidelines, becoming a team member can be a rewarding and educational experience.

Instructions

1. Know the goal of the team. This is important. When team members do not understand what the "big picture" is, they can have a difficult time in understanding what their contribution is supposed to be. Asking the team leader to define the goal of the team can resolve any conflicting ideas about what the team is designed for.

2. Listen actively. When a team member actively listens, he does not just wait for the opportunity for the person speaking to stop speaking so that he can put his ideas out in front of the others. Instead, he will focus on what is being said, analyze it and then either use that information or mentally set it aside while considering how to address the other team members.

3. Motivate yourself and others. When a team is motivated by its members, it is able to stay sharp and focused and creative. Part of motivation is understanding the importance of each and every team member (including yourself) and making sure that the team appreciates each one. If a team member feels as if they are not part of the team, they are not going to perform--and that lack of performance can pass along to other members of the team.

4. Address immediately any issues that might cause problems for the team. Do not wait for someone else to speak up. If there is something present that is causing problems, alert the team leader and the other team members. It is possible that you are the only one who has seen where the problem is and it is up to you to try to correct it.

5. Participate in non-team activities. When you engage with the other team players in an environment outside the team, it gives you the chance to form a stronger bond with the team members.

6. Accept blame when you make a mistake. This is a hard lesson for many people, but it is also one of the best ways to be successful when you work on a team. If the other members of the team see that you are willing to own up to your mistakes, you will gain their respect--and you will be setting an example for them, in the event that they make a mistake.

7. Share credit. If you have been singled out for a commendation or acknowledgement, make sure that you address the others in your team. This helps them to see that the team really is what is important and that it is not about the individual.

References

• Bloomberg Businessweek: How to Build a Winning Team
• Project Shrink: 25 Sure-fire Ways to Motivate Your Team Members
• Dummies.com: Ten Qualities of an Effective Team Player
• Office Arrow: 5 Tips for Being a Team Player
• Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Workplace Coach: Being a Genuine Team Player Goes a Long Way