We hear from all sides how important it is to be a team player. But what exactly does that mean and are you really a good team player? We are going to help you answer these questions in a small test we prepared in cooperation with Lifehack.org. Read the following ten characteristics of good team players and write down or think about at least one situation when you behaved in that way. If there are any points when nothing comes to mind, these are things you need to improve.
1. Reliability
A good team player is someone others can always rely on. Good team players perform their duties honestly and on time. They do not allow any possible setbacks to influence the outcomes of the whole team.
2. Ability to learn from mistakes
A good team player is not afraid of mistakes, he can learn from them. He regards mistakes as opportunities to develop and find new ways to perform his tasks successfully.
3. Information sharing
A team player does not treat his colleagues with suspicion or hatred. He understands that sharing information helps solve problems. He does not think others know everything. He is ready to share his knowledge and experience.
4. Having an opinion
Being a team player and having your own opinion are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, it is very important. A good team player does not only accept instructions. He thinks about his work and comes up with suggestions on how to make the work more effective for the good of the team.
5. Ability to let others speak
A good team player respects the right of others to have and express their own opinions. For example, he does not try to dominate meetings.
6. Positive attitude
A good team player does not see everything negatively. He considers negative tendencies as destructive. He can contribute positively when his colleagues do not see a solution and are only pessimistic.
7. Understanding team work
Introverted team members prefer to work in peace and solitude. However, if he is a good team player, he knows that team work requires effective communication with others and does not avoid it.
8. Ability to say "no"
A good team player does not agree to do every task he is given just to be liked or to please somebody. He can refuse if he cannot handle the required volume of work or if he does not have the necessary skills for the task. He is able to justify his refusal.
9. Problem solving
A good team player does not tend to complain about problems and seek out someone to blame. He prefers looking at ways to address problems and learn from mistakes. He does not procrastinate when complex issues need to be solved, hoping that they will be forgotten.
10. Pain (and gain)
A good team player does not just sit and wait to see what happens or what others do. He can take advantage of an opportunity, even if it involves short-term discomfort. He is not afraid to take risks, because it is not terrible to make mistakes.
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