In today’s work environment, teamwork is perhaps the biggest factor contributing to the overall well-being. In today’s work environment, team work is perhaps the biggest factor contributing to the overall well In today’s work environment, team work is perhaps the biggest factor contributing to the overall well-being of any organization. All the teams/departments are actively involved and have become accountable for the overall success of an organization.

How good a team player you are determines the level of success in your career life. In today’s work place, a problem solver is preferred to a specialist.

Keep in mind the following points if you want to be a good team player.

§         Listen

This is the most important point to keep in mind if you want to advance in your career life. Good listening skills can be developed with conscious efforts. Paying sincere attention when others talk is very important. Sincerity in listening is important because others can make out whether you are listening just for the sake of it or whether you are really interested. Remember, only a good listener is an effective speaker. This is because, a good listener knows what others expect from him and speaks in a manner which makes others listen. Lending a sincere ear is appreciated by everyone. Good team players are good listeners. They listen well and communicate what is needed.

§         Empathy

To become a good team player, you need to have empathy. People should confide in you and you should be the first choice when it comes to empathizing with others. …………………….

§         Clarity of thought

A good team player has clarity of thought. Your thought process should be systematic and before speaking/convincing others you should be clear in your mind as to what you want to convey. Systematic thought process can be developed easily. Just think one point at a time. Do not think about others things unless you have finished with thinking a point.

§         Motivate

Motivation is like fuel to fire. Before trying to motivate others, be self motivated. Unless you are not self-motivated, it is impossible to motivate others. Self-motivation comes through conviction and clarity of thoughts. Motivate your team by showing them a vision and the benefits that come with the achievements.

§         Discussions not arguments

There is lot of difference between discussions and arguments. Discussions move towards logical endings, arguments don’t. The problem with arguments is both the parties involved feel that they won. No solution is reached., each one wants to prove his/her point. Discussions, on the other hand, move towards a definite end. Each person puts forward his/her point and a collective effort goes into reaching a solution. Also, discussions enable the team to think from various angles.

To be a good team player, never get into arguments with your team. Encourage discussions.

§         Gain Everybody’s Confidence

A good team player always gains the team’s confidence. Gaining the team’s confidence involves developing a systematic approach to problem solving. Lending a sincere ear is the first step towards gaining everyone’s confidence. Showing a step-by-step approach to solving a problem always makes the team look up to you in crunch situations.

§         Pass Credit