Sports teams are perfect examples of how certain number of players working together can achieve much more than one player who is acting alone. You may not be the best scorer in a basketball game, but you’re a defense monster, you are helping your team big time! As per mindtools.com, everyone on the team plays a different role according to their strengths – and by helping and encouraging one another along the way, you can make some inspiring things to happen.

In the workplace, the term “team player” rings a bell, too. In the business context, leaders want some significant contributions from team members. If you show that you have the skills to work well with others, important office personnel might notice your dedication. And this can potentially positively impact your career – there might be new possibilities for you!

But how do you do that? What are the things that you must consider and remember to become a team player?

UNDERSTAND THE TEAM’S OBJECTIVES AND UNDERSTAND YOUR ROLE

Many times, lack of basic communication and understanding result to teams not performing well. Thus, if you want to be a good team player, the first thing to define is the group and the project’s goal. As recommended by mindtools.com, key questions include:

• Why are we here?
• What is the “perfect ending” to this project?
• What is our deadline?
• How often will we meet?
• What is our budget?
• Who is in charge of implementing our ideas?
• What roles and responsibilities will each of us have?

If you and the rest of the team are clear about the project’s main goal and each member’s responsibility, then you’re off to a good start.

SHOW RESPONSIBILITY AND BE COMMITTED

There will always be burden and challenges before the group can deliver the final output and without total commitment, you might feel giving up on certain task. Be a responsible adult and a professional. Glassdoor.com highlighted this factor – that good team players contribute as often as possible and ensure they are available and committed to do what’s best for the team.

BE OPEN MINDED AND FLEXIBLE

You are not always right. Monster.com mentioned that part of being a team player is being open to other people’s ideas and perspectives. So, instead of getting defensive when you receive a constructive criticism, learn how to see other angles, too.

The operative word here is to “adapt”. There might be changes in direction but don’t stress yourself over uncontrollable things – adjust accordingly.

MEET YOUR DEADLINES

Reliability is an important factor in doing group projects. You need to show and prove to your coworkers that you are trustworthy – a colleague who can finish the assigned tasks in a timely fashion. Because if you can’t deliver on time, this inaccuracy can negatively affect the entire team.

CELEBRATE YOUR PEER’S SUCCESS

Give credit where credit is due. As described by monster.com, you should define success collectively rather than individually.

When the higher management and high-ranking officials praise you with a project well done, there’s the temptation to acknowledge the accolade as an individual recognition. But doing this might jeopardize what was built during the process of making the project – the authentic relationships with co-workers.

Share the credit. He/She will likely do the same for you in the future.

Perhaps, being a team player is a challenge to some people. But upon understanding the true impact of this, you will realize that the reward is not only emotionally priceless. In the long run, your career will be positively affected!

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