Teamwork Skills – Four Traits of Effective Team Members

Over the years, certain personality traits have been known to surface on almost all teams. Regardless of the kind of team (sports team, work team, special project team, volunteer team, etc.), effective members of almost any team will demonstrate one or more of these teamwork skills.

Selflessness

Let’s begin with the most obvious – effective team members are willing to set aside their own personal agendas for the benefit of the team. Think about the best and worst team professional sports players you can think of. The best will always set aside their personal agenda and work for the betterment of the team. while other team members will stay focused on their personal agenda. We have all experienced both sides of this one.

Volunteerism

The second trait is not as obvious – They volunteer for new assignments and tasks. Now, this does not mean they volunteer for everything that comes down the proverbial path. What it means is that these team members think of ways that they can better themselves and the team by accepting the challenge of a new undertaking. This accomplishes two significant things. First, it benefits the team because, most likely, it may be a task that no one really wants to do that is now being done. Secondly, it serves the team member because they are probably stepping out of his/her comfort zone, which could assist them in the future.

Open-mindedness and Flexibility

The third and fourth traits go together – effective team members are open to new ideas for the benefit of the whole team and they are willing to modify their views for the benefit of the entire team. Although they may believe their way is the most effective or productive, they are willing to modify their beliefs in order to keep the team moving in a forward and positive direction. It is important to understand that they are not acquiescing to the group or another member of the team. They are ultimately focused on the forward movement of the team and they believe in trying new and innovative ideas to keep this process moving.

Think of your existing work team for just a moment. The team and people you work with day in and day out. Do all four of these traits apply to all of your team members, including you? What is missing? Can you formulate a discussion around this at your next team meeting?