It’s a bit of an overplayed cliché, but it’s true — there’s no “I” in team. You work hard to hire incredibly talented employees, but if these people are unable to function as a team, your company won’t make it too far.
If you’re not sure how to define the ideal team player among your workforce, it’s time to figure it out. The exact meaning varies by company, but these five cornerstones can get you off to a strong start.
5 Characteristics of a Great Team Player
Excellent Communicator
Some people are certainly more outgoing than others, but each team member must have the ability to open up and share information with their colleagues. Everyone needs to be on the same page at all times to effectively achieve shared goals.
Highly Adaptable
Plans often change in an instant, so you need a team of people who can switch gears on a moment’s notice. Even one person struggling to keep pace can hold the entire group back. Change can be frustrating and a bit scary, but your employees must embrace it to succeed.
Willing to Pitch in Where Needed
Each person on your team has a defined role, but that’s not where their responsibilities end. Being part of a team means helping one another out when needed, so it’s important to have a staff filled with people who don’t think twice about going the extra mile.
Ability to Give Credit Where It’s Deserved
Tensions rise — and rightfully so — when one person on a team tries to take credit for the work of others. A good team player knows success is a collective effort and wouldn’t dream of trying to take the glory for another person’s efforts. In addition to celebrating successes with the team, they’re quick to call out individuals who exceed expectations.
Steadfastly Reliable
When working with others, you need everyone’s full cooperation to meet deadlines and get the job done right. Each team member must be consistently dependable, so there’s never a question about whether an individual will be able to deliver.
About Employment Contractor Services
For more than 20 years, ECS been has helping clients and recruiters optimize and manage their contingent labor workforce. Contact us today to learn how we can assist your organization!