Guidelines on Becoming an Effective Team Member
The Access HR Team | 1 Mar 2008 12:56 AM
Working on teams can be rewarding, but at the same time can be just as frustrating. It is important as a member of a team that you are aware of what makes you an effective or ineffective team member.
1. Take your responsibility as a team member seriously.
Remind yourself of the potential negative implications if your team fails. It is important that as a team member you understand the team’s objectives, know your role in the team, what is expected from you and have an understanding of the rules and boundaries of the team.
2. If you are unsure of any of the above, you need to clarify these and question others until you do. Ensure that you understand in exact terms what your responsibilities are and ensure that everyone knows what you are doing so others can achieve and work with you and you with them, resulting in the whole team being on the same wavelength. Never assume that everyone is on the same wavelength, discuss and document specific examples of teamwork activities that team members expect of each other.
3. There is no use talking about teamwork unless people actually do it! This is where teamwork needs to be defined as a “condition of work”, remembering everyone is accountable for each other.
Key points to remember - always share information and communicate openly, encourage others to do the same by not allowing hidden agendas or personality conflicts to interfere with teamwork, consider the points of view of other team members, and most of all build trust and display behaviour which warrants you being a valued member of the team resulting in shared goals.
Source: Mansis TM R.Kent/Access HR