Effective teamwork is essential to the success of organizations today. When individuals with unique skills and talents are brought together for a common purpose, it promotes workplace synergy. Being part of a team fosters a sense of accomplishment and promotes overall happiness with employees. Learning to be a good team player is vital to your long-term success and who knows, if you make a good impression, doors may open for you.

Here are some qualities that can help you stand out as a team player:

Be Dependable and Reliable

Ensure you complete assigned tasks and responsibilities on time. Do not be the weak link. Do your share of the work and keep pace with the other members of your team. Don’t sit in the shadows. Contribute to discussions, at meetings or brainstorming sessions.

Be Committed to the Objectives of the Team

Striving for excellence in your assigned tasks will help ensure that your team meets its objectives. Put the team’s purpose above your own individual objectives. Contribute to agreed objectives and be willing to pick up extra responsibilities. Position yourself as a problem solver and not a problem maker.

Be Agile, Flexible and Adaptable

Do not be rigid in your opinions and actions, be willing to see things differently. Participate and tackle challenges without fuss. We all know that project timelines are subject to change. Be flexible and willing to adapt and reprioritize when needed. If you strongly believe that your team is making a mistake, you can find a way to come back to the issue when the time is right. Being a stubborn stick in the mud is not a quality of a good team player.

Share Information and Have Open Communication

Do not hoard information. Ensure you keep your team informed. Share your ideas and sincere opinions with your team. Give feedback and ask questions. Sharing information helps you think about others, which can help prepare you for a leadership role in the future.

Be Open to Praise and Criticism

Be willing to accept praise and criticism with same level of humility. Take criticism as constructive feedback that can help you improve. Be willing to give compliments when other members deserve it. When giving criticism, ensure you do so positively and with respect to others.  

Be Supportive and Respectful

A team player will support others ideas even if it contradicts theirs. Respectfully consider others viewpoints. Respect is often times reciprocated once given. Follow the team’s decision, goals or targets once agreed upon. Be aware of others feelings and treat others the way you expect them to treat you. Be ready to help even if it is not in your job description. Give tips or pointers when appropriate. Offer solutions where you can. Your teammates will appreciate your skills.

So, go ahead. Be that “Go To” team player your organization can count on.