10 Skills Of A Team Player

When you are being interviewed for a managerial position, the common question that you are being asked is “Are you a team player?” It is the most apt question given the position that you are being interviewed for. Being a team player is as important as any leadership skill that you must possess to avail the job.

Why being team player is important? Well, the answer lies in the question itself. Unlike other positions, being a manager is like being in command of a whole team. But, you cannot see yourself separate from the team as such.

You too are a part of the team. The team should feel you are approachable else you will be condemned and eventually lose the position. Even if you do manage to hold the position for some reason, there is no way ahead as you have lost it on the basis of being a team player.

How often do you accept responsibility for the action of your team? How often do you put the blame on someone else? These are important questions in order to know if you are a team player or not. If you are not, then here are 10 skills which if you imbibe, you can be a team player.

Should be Reliable
An important skill for being a team player is being reliable. Yes, if you are reliable enough to get the things in order and get work done on time, you are indeed a good team player. You should be able to meet your commitments, be consistent in your performance and deliver the essential results that too on time.

Constructive Communication
As a team player, communication is an essential skill. What you are trying to convey as a message to your team should be proper. Your thoughts should be concise and well articulated. You cannot shy away from making a point but you should realize that when you are making a point, the way you communicate is effective without being rude.

Listening Capability
While communication is important, you should listen to your colleagues and management too. If you don’t listen to your team members, understand what they are trying to communicate and realize how they want things to be done, you will never be able to play well in a team.

Participates Actively
If you are a team player, you should ideally participate in every deed performed by the team. Even if you feel that the meeting is useless, try and be a part of it. Make sure you don’t sit like a statue in the meeting, be a part of it and offer solutions that come to your mind.

Shares their Knowledge
A team player should be willing to participate in knowledge and idea sharing activities. If you feel there is something that you know and your team ought to know, then you should share the knowledge. Keep your team members in the loop.

Cooperation
This is another must have quality for anyone who wishes to be a team player. You should act as part of the team, help them out in case of difficulty and find solutions together. Assistance helps get the right solution.

Flexible
In case your opinions do not match that of the others, be flexible enough to adjust a few here and there to reach a consensus. Only those who are flexible can play the role of a team player well.

Commitment
Dedication to the team, commitment to the work and persuasion to finish it is important for any team player. This is an essential skill not only towards the work but also towards finishing the work as a team.

Solution Provider
In case you or your team is stuck, you should be capable of thinking on your foot and coming up with the much needed solution. This is one of the most important skills for being a team player.

Respect
When you show respect, you gain respect. As a team player you should have enough respect for those who are working under you as well as the management.