Three Steps on How to Integrate Into a Project Team

Once integrated with your project team you will feel more comfortable with your coworkers.

Working with a new team on a project or transferring to an entirely new company may seem overwhelming when getting to know your coworkers while working efficiently together. Integrating into a project team is possible with a bit of preparation and thorough knowledge on what you are working on--regardless of your industry and the project's team.

Instructions

1. Give a memorable first impression without overstepping boundaries (by being too forward, rude or obnoxious when first meeting your team). Make a solid introduction by stating what you do and look forward to doing for the company while keeping a positive attitude when meeting those in your team to "break the ice" and get more comfortable.

2. Meet with each one of your team members separately, and try to get to know everyone on the team individually to better assess everyone's personality and way of working. This will give you a chance to become friends with your team while also understanding the flow of work, helping you to adjust to the team with ease.

3. Ask for advice from your new team. Asking for help, tips and advice will show you respect your team members that have seniority without undermining the current projects at hand. Working in a team takes effort and involves everyone included in the project--so showing your teammates you are interested in helping and would like to properly complete tasks will help with integrating you into the new team over time.

Tips & Warnings

• Speak with your project manager or leader with any questions you have regarding your new group when first integrating into a new team to help get better adjusted to the work environment.

References

• HRM Guide: How to Integrate New People; Patrick J. McKenna and David H. Maister
• Job Dig: Creative Ideas for Integrating New Team Members
• Action Days: Integrating a New Member Into the Team