As we all know a team is a group made up of individuals who are working collectively towards a common goal. Being part of a team makes one a team member. A team member and a team player are two entirely different people. By being part of a team you are already a team member. Being a team player requires much more than just making up the number of a team.

A team player is a member of the team who is willing and ready to do his part in the team. A team player is one who without hesitation contributes his quota to achieve the team's set goals and objectives. A team player is dedicated and committed to the success of his team. Are you a team member or a team player?

Characteristics of Team Players

1. Team players are selfless. They always put the interests of the team ahead of their interests.

2. Team players are also willing and ready to work. They do not sit back and watch while others do the whole work or shift responsibility; they also do not dodge being assigned tasks. They are always willing to step up and take part in whatever task is assigned to the team.

3. A team player recognises that every win is for the team and not himself.

4. Team players are desirous to improve their skills and abilities to take up more responsibility.

5. They do not shift blame they accept blame and take correction

6. Team players are reliable and trustworthy

7. Excellent team players also recognise the limitations of others and are willing to make up for their shortfalls but do not accept mediocrity.

Overall having a strong team is important. There are practical steps you can take to build a strong team in the workplace. (How to build a strong team in the workplace).

Why You Need Team Players

Team players are essential for the overall growth of the organisation. Many hands they say make the load light. No one person can do it all. Being a team player makes it possible to work with others seamlessly. Being a team player also broadens your horizon. As an individual, you get to learn from other members of the team. Rather than learning from your mistakes, you learn from the experiences of others. Taking an active part in the activities of your team also sharpens your problem-solving skills and helps build trust with your colleagues and employers which is essential for maximum productivity.

How to Be a Good Team Player

Be humble and willing to work with others. Humility would enable you to accept your limitations and see that you might not always be the best at what you do. You need humility to own up to mistakes accept corrections and learn from even your junior colleagues.

• Put the interests of the team ahead of yours. You can do this by always thinking about what is best for the team and not just what would work for you or suits your plans

• Excellent team players do not hoard their thoughts and ideas. They are willing to share what they know with members of their team especially when it would be to the benefit of the team.

• To be a good team player you need to have open and honest communication with your teammates. Do not see communication as just talking, strive to be a good listener as well. Some steps can be taken as individuals and as a group to improve your team's communication. (How to improve team communication).

• Maintain a positive attitude always. Minimize grumbling and complaining, this can put down the morale of others and you do not want to be responsible for your team's loss of motivation. The benefits of always maintaining a positive attitude are too numerous to miss out on.

• Every team has a team leader. Respect your team leader. Show support for the decisions of your team leader even when you feel things can be done better.

Collaboration or cooperation is key to your team's growth and success. Fortunately, information is available on what you can do to improve team collaboration. 

As we mentioned earlier, communication is important among teammates. Boost communication with your teammates using SmartSMSSolutions bulk messaging service. It's affordable and reliable. Signup for a free bulk SMS account with us today and start reaping the benefits of seamless communication.