How to Become a Valued Team Player & Reap its Benefits

Have you ever struggled to click with your co-workers? Whether you see the differences as a matter of generational differences, or overall perspective on things, those gaps make it challenging, but not impossible to work together to achieve a common goal.

Everyone wants to be recognized for individual achievements. However, it would be great to be known for your teamwork skills, despite your differences.

You have the power to become that valued team player. And your career will benefit from your cooperative skills as well.

Apply these ideas and you’ll be a star:

1. Be friendly to every co-worker. Even if you have completely different interests than a co-worker, you never know what can happen if you show sincere interest in them.

2. Ask work-related questions. When you’re unsure of factors related to a work project, approach a co-worker working on the same #job and try to clarify your questions.

Reaching out to others shows your willingness to accept information from co-workers to be able to do your best work.

Plus, this behavior demonstrates you respect your co-workers and value their input.

3. Celebrate even the smallest successes. When a co-worker completes part of a project or resolves a minor issue, make it a point to always be encouraging.

4. Show openness about your work plan. Prior to proceeding with your #work on a project, tell involved co-workers what you plan to do.

When you speak to your co-workers about the direction you’re heading in the work you’re doing, it promotes open communication and shows you’re using a #team approach.

5. Use “we” when talking with co-workers. When you use “we,” it pulls all of you together to work for a common goal.

When you and your co-workers feel part of something greater than yourselves, you’ll be amazed at the things you can #achieve together.

6. Notice the behaviors of your co-workers. Do they offer to help you once in a while? Are some of them willing to put in extra effort when it’s needed? When they do, let them know you notice.

7. Reciprocate. When a co-worker chips in to help or finishes a task to assist you in completing a project, remember to return the favor. Help them out when they need it with their big project.

8. Avoid pointing out the errors of your co-workers. Calling attention to the mistakes of others is often not looked upon favorably. It may sound cliché, but everyone makes mistakes. We are all human after all.

Take the attitude that you’ll instead try to learn from the mistakes of others as well as your own.

9. Be generous. Of course, it would be nice if you received recognition for whatever you contributed to someone else’s project, but it may not happen all the time.

If you approach a job with the idea that, above all, you want to be an effective team player, you’ll be recognized for your stellar individual skills at some point.

Being a team player will help you achieve the successful career you desire. Plus, you’ll learn something of great value in the process.

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About: Careerspresso was created to help women re-enter the workforce after extended breaks in employment for any reason. Learn how to get a raise, get a promotion and become the obvious choice for every opportunity. Follow to stay up on the latest and greatest in career coaching.

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