How to Convince Someone to Work in a Team

Teamwork allows employees to work more effectively.

Teamwork can make a project more successful, but teams sometimes contain a member who is reluctant to give up personal control or his individual role. A savvy manager or team leader will play to the person's individuality when convincing him to join in a team and will set attainable goals for both the individual and the group. A vision for the team and a role in that vision will convince the uncooperative person to join in the work toward attaining that goal.

Instructions

1. Discuss with the person the goals or vision of the team. If he doesn't understand why he should work with a group, he will be reluctant to join in, particularly if he doesn't see that working together makes the goal more attainable. Describe for the person how each individual's contributions will bring that goal closer to fruition.

2. Describe for the person how her unique skills will strengthen the group. If the person has strong organizational skills or strong writing skills, for instance, give examples on how those skills will make work toward the goal easier. If the person is proud of a particular skill, play to her strengths by describing how that skill will help the group.

3. Give that person ownership of the part of the project that falls under his skill and supervision. If the person feels as though he has a personal role over which he has some control, he may become less reluctant to join the team because he will still have individual tasks and accomplishments. Let him set his own goals so that he will be eager to attain them.

4. Recognize the person's successes in front of the rest of the team. If every team member sees that she has something valuable to contribute and that they will receive individual recognition, they will feel valued.

Tips & Warnings

• Give each team member his own role, but require regular meetings in which the team members discuss their work to maintain accountability.

• If a person becomes negative or toxic to the group, do not encourage her involvement, and let the person's supervisor handle the situation.

References

• About-Personal-Growth: Benefits of Teamwork and the Importance of Working Together
• The Managers Guide: How a Manager Can Encourage Teamwork
• Personnel Today: How to Encourage Teamwork
• Christopher Avery's Blog: Successful Leaders Encourage Teamwork to Be About Winning

Resources

• TechZing: 13 Ways to Encourage Teamwork