7 Ways to be a Team Player at Work
Most employers appreciate team players who put the goals and interests of the company and their coworkers before their own agenda. As a team player, you'll also enjoy your job and coworkers more as you learn to play nice. Here are seven ways to become a team player at your job.
- Meet Deadlines
Group projects typically rely on everyone doing their assigned tasks. If you procrastinate, the entire team must wait for you, and the company could suffer. Make every effort to meet deadlines as you show that you're dependable, reliable and trustworthy.
- Avoid Politics
It's a good idea to avoid discussing personal political views as you build camaraderie at work, but look out for office politics, too. Don't get sucked into gossip sessions, avoid attempts to sabotage others and stay out of power struggles. By being neutral, you see all sides, make smarter decisions and maintain your ability to work well with everyone.
- Be Candid
In the past, company culture viewed team players as the employees who did their jobs without asking questions. Today, many employers prefer employees who are willing to step up and be candid. That means you can offer constructive criticism and make helpful suggestions that support the organization as a whole.
- Be Active
Everyone loves a coworker who's active and gets things done. Being active doesn't mean you do all the work, but you are willing to pitch in when you see a need, step up and help as necessary and take a leadership role.
- Adapt Quickly
The workplace as a whole is becoming increasingly diversified and globalized. You'll stand out as a team player if you can accept and handle change. Consider how you collaborate with team members from another location or learn new technology. If you embrace change and accept it, you'll become known as a team player.
- Check Your Attitude
The way you think about your coworkers affects how you treat them and your status as a team player. Instead of approaching coworkers with mistrust, negativity or pessimism, assume from the start that your teammates are capable, engaged and dependable.
- Appreciate Unique Work Styles
Everyone works differently. Instead of demanding that your coworkers act like you, study your coworkers' unique work styles. You can then accept what each person brings to the table, appreciate different contributions and create a well-rounded team that works well together and gets things done.
Being a team player goes a long way toward creating a productive and pleasant work environment. What can you change to ensure you're being a team player?