It’s very easy to get lost in our own worlds and become complacent of our relationships with those in our team. Behind every great organisation there are amazing teams that drive the success of the business. I can’t hear you Communication is one of the key factors of how well a team will function. To play your role, be sure to: Listen actively Ask questions when you need clarification Confirm with team members that tasks have been completed and then move forward Rapport is constantly developed as each individual contributes to the conversation. This creates an enabling environment where everyone can freely share ideas and work towards innovative solutions. It’s crucial to establish effective and clear communication. If you believe there are any confusions, be honest and let your teammates know that you don’t understand the situation or task. This will assist in preventing any errors and will allow your team to work more effectively together. If you’re struggling to communicate your point across, it’s a good idea to write down what you need to say. This will allow you to break it down and highlight your main points and objectives. Expectations It’s imperative to continuously relay the goals, objectives and expectations of the team. This can be done through regular team meetings, which can be used as a soundboard for individual team members to share their progress, express any concerns or brainstorm ideas for new projects. It’s also important for the team leader to cement how your work aligns with the organisation’s goals and objectives. This provides purpose and meaning to each individual and can be used to boost morale. Characteristics of a good team player So what makes up a good team player? Here are a few traits to look out for: Reliable – Produces high quality and accurate results Committed – Puts in a 100% to each task Responsible – Meet the expectations of the team and delivers results Compromise – Is always open to other ways of doing things Recognition – Gives praise when a teammate has produced good work and provides encouragement Honesty – Is genuine in their intentions and takes ownership of mistakes Professional – Removes personal agendas and shows mutual respect Moving forward It’s essential the responsibilities of each team member are clear and everyone knows the value of their contribution. A team player knows when to offer a hand and is always self-aware. Ideally, each person should strive to be the best they can be. When feedback is needed, do so in a manner that uplifts them to work towards improvement and avoid ending on a negative note that emphasises their shortcomings. This assists in being proactive rather than reactive to stressful situations and may motivate the team to take a pre-emptive approach when completing projects. We all have a part to play. Always remember individual commitment to a group effort is what makes a team tick. Together. Everyone. Achieves. More.