How to Successfully be a Team Player
I have seen hundreds of resumes where candidates claim to be ‘excellent team players’, then they are assigned to a project with other co-workers and every day until completion is filled with complaints and frustration. Everyone wants to be the leader,everyone wants to stand out and everyone wants recognition. We are all familiar with the saying “there is no I in team” and this is the first level of understanding for group projects. Working in a team is no doubt challenging, but there are practices which can be implemented to make assignments less stressful, more engaging and produce more rewarding results.
Clear Expectations – The motive, expectations, budgets and outcomes are clearly stated and understood by all members of the group. This involves discussion, brainstorming, timelines, deadlines and assignment of duties according to the needs of the project.
Commitment – All members must be dedicated and willing to participate in the success of the project. You should make an effort to attend every meeting, function and discussion that is held associated to the project. This is an opportunity to exemplify your knowledge and serves as a catalyst to discover further enlightenment.
Discipline – Commitment and discipline usually go hand-in- hand when working on group projects. There will be many late nights, early mornings and non-existent weekends to achieve the outcome. Everyone ought to take responsibility for their contribution in order to meet group deadlines and stay on track with the overall chronology of the project.
Capability – Persons with relevant skills, expertise and knowledge should be grouped together to work on a particular project or task. This ensures that there is a free flow of ideas and exchange of relevant information. Additionally, group selection based on capabilities and qualifications saves time and resources. Capabilities also include effective time-management, organizational skills and good presentation skills.
Communication – Communication is the foundation on which group tasks stand. It is important to be in constant communication and that all members are on the same page at all times. Preparing reports, budgets, charts and tables are a good way to summarize and present information clearly and concisely to guarantee understanding and quick referencing. The group setting must be comfortable to give and receive feedback and criticism without perceived negative attitudes. Programs such as Dropbox, Skype and GoToMeeting can be used to communicate away from office.
Innovation – Because you are all professionals in your field creativity and innovation should flow freely. While relying on your own knowledge the exchange of information can spawn new ideas, perspectives and solutions.
Collaboration – Members should come together to understand each step and change in the development of the project. Work performed should be measured against objectives of the project. An action plan can be implemented to effectively manage disagreements and other potential setbacks.
Results – The outcome of the project should be something that each member feels proud of and stands beside. It should be one cohesive result with equal working parts. The presentation should be clear and thoroughly explained. The team should be duly recognized for their contributions and accomplishments.