The ability to function as an effective team member is not just a valuable skill but a fundamental requirement for success. There are many essential characteristics that define effective employees in a team. This article delves into unravelling the hows to being an effective member to help employees out there perform well in their group project.
The Characteristics Of A Good Team Member
Everyone loves to be in their comfort zone. However, this is not what a team member should do when working with other people. Here are the characteristics a good team member should possess to improve the team’s performance.
1. Communicates Efficiently
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As the saying goes, communication is key. Communication is very important between people especially when they are collaborating. Team members should be alert and actively listen to ideas from others. Chip in only when needed.
There are many other important characteristics but the one way to ensure healthy communication in a group is to establish good connections among employees especially team members. Regulate emotions before and after discussion to avoid lashing out unprovoked.
2. Knows Their Roles and Limits
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Every team member should be aware of their own roles in a team. Acknowledge your own capability before choosing roles as it will affect the group’s progress if a team member fails to perform in their work. Remember, the team members depend on you, so always do something within your expertise.
3. Takes Initiative
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In a setting where everyone plays a role in development, initiative should be taken in order to keep the progress going. Either to give ideas or oppose ideas, both should be done during the early stages of a project. One can avoid last minute problems if initiatives are taken early. Being initiative can also inspire other team members to offer a helping hand. As a result, the team can function smoothly.
4. Sticks To Your Deadlines
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Usually, teams will create a deadline a few days before the actual deadline in order to make sure there is room for edits and improvement. Thus, to be a good team member, deadlines should be put as one’s number one priority. One way to do this is by mastering time management to balance out between work and life. Put aside less important work and focus on the one with the closer deadline period to be able to submit on time.
5. Supports & Be Supported
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High performing teams should be able to validate and support one another. One can support by constantly giving motivational words to the team members. All in all, be sure to express gratitude for others’ hard work. As simple as saying “thank you” for showing up might mean a lot to others. When it comes to receiving empowering words, make sure to be humble about it in fear of not being able to meet their expectations.
6. Open-Minded
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There is a wide variety of attitude, mindset and skills in a team. Being open-minded about these differences may do the team a good favor. By accepting and adapting to others’ style of work, one can learn many new experiences and work skills. At the same time, you will also be able to share something for the team to learn. It is a give and take between members that will benefit everyone.
In conclusion, teamwork in the modern workplace is crucial, and it begins with you. One can make the ideal team member by incorporating these tips into their career life. Team members can also take the extra effort to learn digital skills such as the Top Tools For Collaborative Work With Your Teams to keep in touch with everyone’s work. Finally, employees should always strive to possess good characteristics solely for a happier career life.
