Being a Successful Team Member
Most of us are on teams, or have been on teams. There are project teams, cross-functional teams, leadership teams, sports teams, family and community teams, and so on. Any time we get together with others to accomplish a goal, we can either become a team or stay as individual members. We all have had experience in groups and know it either can be rewarding and fun, or we can regret that we were involved in the first place. There is much written about team leaders, the characteristics of effective teams, and how important teams can be for learning, building relationships, and creating superior results. We all know the quote "the sum of the whole is greater than any one part."
When things are not working in a team, we tend to blame the leader or someone else on the team. We may not see how our own behavior may be part of the problem. Since teams are so important, I thought it could be useful to look at what you can do to be an effective team member, so your participation in teams will benefit you and others. So much can be gained by working in a well-tuned team that meets its goal with a sense of joy and fulfillment.
As a participant we can make a difference in how our team operates. Below are some things you can do to be an effective team member.
COPYRIGHT AND PUBLISHER INFORMATION
© Carole Rehbock. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher.
When things are not working in a team, we tend to blame the leader or someone else on the team. We may not see how our own behavior may be part of the problem. Since teams are so important, I thought it could be useful to look at what you can do to be an effective team member, so your participation in teams will benefit you and others. So much can be gained by working in a well-tuned team that meets its goal with a sense of joy and fulfillment.
As a participant we can make a difference in how our team operates. Below are some things you can do to be an effective team member.
- Show up at meetings prepared, open, supportive, and non-judgmental
- Listen when other people speak, and take their ideas into account
- Be willing to negotiate or compromise to meet the goal
- Ensure that you are aligned with the team mission and purpose
- Identify your strengths and how you contribute to the team
- Speak up and provide input. If there is a disagreement, be willing to work it out with the others involved - ask for a mediator if you need one
- Do what you promised you would do
- Define what you need for support, and see if you are giving that to others
- Be willing to see that your perspective is only one of many
- Model the behavior you would like to see in other team members
- So if you are not on the 'dream team' you wish you were on, take a look to see what actions you can take to impact the situation and support the team to be more effective.
COPYRIGHT AND PUBLISHER INFORMATION
© Carole Rehbock. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher.
