What makes a successful team player at work
Great team players are invaluable. They’re the people who almost always have a positive attitude, do their share of work and support others. These people can be counted on to consistently come through when the team needs them.
Because great team players are hard to find, that makes it even more impressive when you see someone who exhibits these characteristics consistently.
While some people may not think about being a great teammate until they reach a certain level of frustration, it’s something that anyone can aspire to get better at at any time.
Check out these five qualities of a great team player so you can start working on improving in this area today:
1. Be dependable and accountable
Being dependable means you’re consistent in showing up and doing what you say you’re going to do. You’re reliable and consistent in your actions, which is a quality that great team players have.
It’s not enough to just say you’ll do something. When a teammate needs you, you have to be there, and you have to follow through on what you said you would do.
Great team players are also accountable. No matter what happens, they take responsibility. When they make a mistake, they don’t point the finger at someone else or make excuses.
They apologize, learn from the mistake and try their best to make sure it doesn’t happen again. They don’t duck out on work because it’s hard or there is too much. They don’t avoid conflict just because it’s uncomfortable. They are accountable for their actions and are consistent in how they respond to others.
2. Be supportive
Team players support their teammates and celebrate wins. They’re not only thinking about themselves. They are there for each other and lift each other up. They don’t tear each other down.
Let your teammates know that you’re there for them. When someone is struggling, be a source of encouragement. Be there when someone needs help, both with work and life in general.
Great team players are helpful. They don’t just do their job. They look for ways to help their teammates do their job better, too. They’re a resource for knowledge and information. They don’t hold back and keep their knowledge to themselves.
3. Show up on time and be prepared
One of the easiest ways to be a team player who is both productive and supportive is to be prepared and on time.
Being prepared means having the materials you need to get your job done and being ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.
4. Be respectful
Great team players respect one another. They don’t use demeaning language and don’t disrespect people.
Just because someone works with you doesn’t mean you have to be friends with them. Be respectful of everyone you work with, whether it’s a coworker, a client or a vendor.
5. Show a positive attitude
You have control over one thing: your attitude. How you approach each day, each challenge and each person is totally up to you. Team players show a positive attitude. They can see the good in any situation and are able to appreciate the good in others.
They don’t get down on themselves or other people. They don’t get overly excited or anxious. They have a level head that others can rely on, no matter what the situation is.
Conclusion
These five qualities make up a great team player. Being dependable, supportive, respectful, showing a positive attitude and being accountable are all traits that are necessary to make up a successful team.
So if you want to be a part of a winning team, make sure that you are working on and showing these key qualities.
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