5 Ways to Engage a Non-Team Player
August 13, 2024
Do you work with a non-team player? Or know someone who is like that? These people tend to work on their own or they fail to participate when everyone else is hurrying to complete a project or prepare a presentation. Yes, it can be frustrating, especially if you know that it may jeopardize the effectiveness of your entire team.
How do you engage with this person without being resentful? And how can you get them to think more about the team? Let's find out in this article.
Have a conversation with them
Instead of jumping to conclusions and complaining about your coworker's behavior at work, create a pleasant atmosphere at the office by approaching them. Even if you don't hold a leadership role on the team, you can make the first move to talk to your coworker. It can also be a great chance to hone your leadership and interpersonal skills. If they haven't been participating in team projects, ask them what is going on with them at the moment, or what motivates them to work. This ought to provide you with sufficient context to see the experience from their point of view.
Establish common goals
Sharing a common objective can motivate people to be more collaborative with the ones around them. It is great for employees to be able to work with minimal supervision, but connection and interaction in the office is still important. Moreover, when employees do things the way they want to on their own, it can lead to not just misunderstanding and mistakes, but also stress and disengagement. When employees are encouraged to collaborate, it allows them to communicate with each other, which can bring more creative and quality results. Of course, it is also worth noting that these common goals must be realistic and feasible.
Focus on their strengths
One way to disengage and demotivate an employee is by being excessively critical of what they are doing incorrectly. You have to understand that people have their own strengths and weaknesses. So, find out what your coworkers are most passionate about contributing. Then, develop a strategy that makes use of these skills and contributions to get the results you want. To better understand what each member of your team can bring to the table is all about broadening your leadership perspective.
Take their mental health seriously
In relation to the previous tip, mental health is something that young professionals prioritize, and they would be more encouraged to work if they can feel that their manager or employer values that. Instead of punishing mistakes or shutting down ideas, make sure to create a psychologically safe working environment. Make sure that you are fostering an atmosphere where people can speak out freely without fear of mockery or criticism.
Provide them with proper tools
You cannot expect your team to be fully engaged if you can't even provide them with the right tools and resources. Make sure your team members have access to all the necessary things that will enable them to be more effective and productive. Learning how to operate new tools can also give them more confidence with their work. Additionally, it will let them choose which tools would help them in carrying out their particular work duties and obligations.
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