Playing a role as an effective team member

Playing a role as an effective team member

In today's world, one will find that playing a role as a team member is part of any job, project or collaboration. Individuals on a team bring key specializations, and as a unit, they are expected to deliver. However, to be effective, one must understand the challenges that come with team work and develop characteristics that harness productivity within a team.

4 common challenges of working in teams include:

• Conflict over positions, strategies, opinions
• Mistrust and uneven communication
• Personality clashes
• Power issues and personal agendas

Different people bring different strengths and perspectives to the table - which is a good thing. However, difference in opinion is often the breeding ground for conflict, which can quickly escalate and result in unproductive time spent, which is bad news for the project and for business. But this does not have to be the case or the outcome. One can recognize that playing an effective role on their team is within their control. They can choose to sharpen the following 4 skills and start contributing in a way that propels the team forward.

4 common characteristics of an effective team member include:

• Effective communication
• Positive attitude
• Sharing the work/equal contribution
• Reliable

A team can start moving in a positive direction with tactful communication alone. This means communications one's ideas, opinions and perspectives in a manner which does not alienate others. It is an open style communication which promotes other team members and breeds alliance. 

A positive attitude can also go a long way. Humans are emotional beings - which means one can help the situation tremendously by acknowledging others and their ideas in a positive way and bringing a "can-do" attitude when faced with conflicts and resolution.

Contribution goes without saying - carrying your weight will demand respect and appreciation from others - but has to be carefully balanced with trusting others to do the same while promoting effective communication and positivity.

Lastly, reliability. It will make (or break) the trust within team members. Being reliable is not just equal contribution - it is picking up the slack, showing up for your team and getting things done - not just your play in the project, but for the whole.

A strong team can make all the difference for a business and for the individual participating. It can be the start of beautiful ideas and friendships coming to life. At the very least, it can teach one to be a better communicator all around - which is a skill that helps any and all situations in life.

Sources:

https://leaderchat.org/2011/04/18/the-challenge-of-working-in-teams%E2%80%94dealing-with-conflict/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201301/characteristics-good-work-team-members