One key to making your workplace run smoothly is to be a good team player. Everyone in your workplace needs to contribute for things to go well, and that includes leaders. When teamwork is a key part of your company, you will see an increase in motivation and productivity. Here are some ways you can become a better team player:
Communicate
Understanding expectations for collaboration is key to efficient teamwork. Oftentimes, talking face-to-face is a good way to ensure understanding, but it may not be the most practical method in your scenario. The recent COVID-19 pandemic opened many new ways to communicate with your team members, whether that be through quick messaging, such as Slack or video conferencing through Zoom or Teams. Find the best way to communicate clearly with your team members and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Emphasize Kindness
Nobody wants to work with someone who is rude, and most people will collaborate better with those who are kind to them. You should always treat your team members with respect and kindness. You may think that of course you’ll be kind to your teammates, but sometimes when tensions get high, you may say or do things you wouldn’t in other circumstances. It’s important to approach all situations with calm kindness and empathy to preserve vital team understanding.
Be Honest
Part of teamwork is considering what your other teammates are capable of. For your team to operate smoothly you need to be honest about your capabilities and limitations. This includes things like setting boundaries when you’re too busy to take on another project or letting your team know when you’re taking time off. Also be honest when you have questions or concerns about a project so your team can resolve those early on. Practicing this kind of honesty will encourage your team to use the same transparency.
Being a part of a team is hard work. Follow this advice to make sure you’re being a good teammate to your co-workers.