The 40 (or more) hours we spend at work each week is a considerable portion of our lives. It might be more than we see our families or more than we see our friends in an entire year. And sometimes, when you spend that much time with people, it can be hard to get along or to get over little annoyances.
But spending that much time together means you need to find ways to get along for the good of the team. Even if someone on your team isn’t your favorite person in the universe, it’s critically important to find ways to be a team player and get your jobs done.
Five Ways to Be a Better Team Player at Work
1. When it’s needed, let people help you out.
Sometimes there’s more on your plate than you can accomplish in a given amount of time. If you’re overwhelmed, and someone else has time to spare, let them help you if they offer. This is not a slight against you or a question of your talents and abilities; it’s a way to keep the team’s projects moving along smoothly, and it allows you to give your whole attention to the task you’re currently completing. Letting people help you is a matter of trust and a sign of respect; it’s a way for everyone to keep moving forward together.
2. Listen.
Communication is the cornerstone of any and all success. Full stop. To be a better team member, really listen to the people you work with. If you hear them getting frustrated, listen closely to see what’s really bothering them and see how you can help. If a new project is being presented, pay close attention to what’s being said, who’s responsible for which actions, and be on top of what’s been assigned to you, because your piece of the project is integral to its successful completion, just like everyone else’s.
3. Ask for feedback.
No matter how big or small your team is, there will be moments when things gel and click and move quickly because everyone’s on the same page. There will also be moments where things feel off, a little sloppy, or disconnected. Talk with your team about what worked well when things were moving like clockwork, and try to find out what happened when things weren’t so smooth. Find out, also, how you can better help people during complicated projects in order to show that you’re concerned and interested in being a valuable person on your team. Being someone people can call on for help, or advice, is a wonderful thing.
4. Aim for positivity.
Gossip helps no one. Talking about people behind their backs is a drain. Spreading rumors or telling stories that may not be true breaks the foundation of trust and cannot easily be regained. Instead, be the person to point out the silver linings, find the good in the bad, and the one who will do their best to brighten a room when the clouds start to roll in. Remind people that rainy days bring flowers and make the sunshine even brighter. You don’t need to be a spreader of toxic positivity — sometimes days are crummy, and things feel impossible — but you can gently try to remind people that tomorrow’s a new day to try again.
5. Remember that your colleagues are people too.
Do you know the name of your coworkers’ kids? Or their pets? Ask how they’re doing every once in a while. We are all more than our jobs and our roles at work. Sometimes a simple question, something personal without prying, can really help build bonds between coworkers, building strong connections between people. Listen when they talk about a movie they’ve really enjoyed recently or the new release from a band they love. Get to know them as people, first and foremost, and you might learn more about how to work better together as you share common interests and activities.
Looking for a New Career Opportunity? Call ABLE!
Everyone can work a little harder to be a better team player because everyone needs people to lift them up from time to time. Today might be your day to bring positivity because maybe you’ll need that support tomorrow. Either way, it pays to find ways to get along with colleagues because you’re all in it together!
If you try these tips and find your team is still more interested in gossip, negativity, and blame-pointing, it might be time to get out. Why not give ABLE Associates a call? Take a look at the jobs we’re currently working to fill and see what sounds like a good fit, then let our recruiters help you apply. If you’re ready to make a change, ABLE Associates can help!