Getting rid of the ME in TEAM

The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team. – Phil Jackson

Remember when teachers assigned group projects?? Did you love or hate them??

Chances are there was always someone in the group who did not pull their weight making the others in the team work that much harder to compensate so the grade didn't suffer. OR maybe you were that person who chucked the assignment and your team to the curb.

Well, believe it or not, your teachers were prepping you for real life. As you move into your career, you will discover that no one works in a vacuum. We all rely on others for some aspect of our success.

That means you have to learn how to play well in the sandbox with others. Here are some tips to become the teammate with whom others actually want to team up!

Be Supportive Supporting your fellow teammates happens through many small actions, the smallest of which is simply staying positive. Yes, this can be difficult - especially when we feel overwhelmed or stressed, but staying positive is healthier for you and for the atmosphere of the entire team.

One of the great aspects of working with others is the variety of ideas. The community is a breeding ground of creative thought and ideas. Negativity generates an atmosphere of fear, which stunts productivity. Always keep an open mind when others present differing viewpoints. You may be surprised at what you can learn!

Most people naturally gravitate towards supportive people. Use that to your team's advantage! If you take the time to build up your team, you empower them to reach for new heights.

Be Helpful

"Is there anything I can do to help?" This may be one of the most powerful questions in your repertoire.

At the end of every meeting, I always ask my team what I can do to help them, especially if it is "grunt" work. Because I know my team's strengths and weaknesses, I know there may be certain tasks that are more laborious for them whereas I can accomplish them very quickly. This builds a good rapport between me and my teammates, it builds a generous spirit of reciprocity (others are more likely to support and assist teammates who are willing to do likewise), and it builds a culture of collaborating. Ask this question whenever given the opportunity and see the benefits your team reaps from it!

Be Accountable

Despite our best efforts, no one is perfect. We are all going to make a mistake at some point in our career. How you respond is what defines you.

When you make a mistake, do NOT throw your team or another teammate "under the bus". Own the mistake and look for solutions! As you work with your team to correct the error, you will learn not only about best practices for your job, you will also learn leadership and that a big part of leading is being a part of the team.

Be Flexible

This is one of the single, greatest skills any employee and any leader can learn.

Being flexible allows you to experience a greater variety of learning opportunities than if you pigeonhole your experience by being rigid. Accept any tasks you are assigned and choose the mindset that this will broaden your horizons and allow you to grow in your profession. Seek out open tasks. This will curry esteem from your bosses and teammates while reflecting nicely in your yearly evaluations.

Remember to be flexible with your teammates. Not everyone works the same way. Some people prefer to talk on the phone while others prefer an email. Different teammates have different skillsets. Understanding and accommodating these nuances will go far in achieving results.

Be a Team Member

No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it." – H.E. Luccock

The strength of the team lies in each of you. If you are invested in your team and your team's results, the team will recognize you as a teammate upon whom they can count and respect that commitment. Knowing teammates like this exist boosts morale, which improves efficiency and end-products!

Remember, everyone has different strengths. It is highly advisable to reach out to those who may be able to lend a hand with their expertise. You can use it as a learning opportunity. You can benefit from their past experience and from their acquired knowledge. The greatest risk to any team is someone who fails to ask questions.

Conversely, you may be the one who has the skillset from whom others seek to learn. This is a position of great responsibility. Make sure to support your team and not belittle them for seeking out your knowledge. It takes very little time to bolster another teammate's knowledge, skill, and confidence. Be kind and share freely. Remember how you felt when you first began and how you wished to be treated? Do that.

Final Thoughts

Being a good teammate is not without challenges; it takes a concerted effort every single day. You choose the kind of teammate you will be. Which part will you play in the group project: MVP or parasite?