Whether you're on the playing field or huddled with coworkers in a pivotal meeting at the office, this old maxim holds true: There is no "I" in team.
Robert Half International recently asked senior
executives to name the most critical characteristic of being a team player.
Forty percent of respondents said "meeting deadlines" is vital to
team play, while 25 percent believed avoiding office politics is of the utmost
importance. "Is pleasant to work with" (20 percent) and
"supports his or her manager" (13 percent) rounded out the list.
Become your office's Most Valuable Player (MVP) by
keeping the following teamwork-related tips in mind.
Keep your eye on the ball.
Scrambling to wrap up your
part of a group project as the clock winds down hurts both your team and your
professional reputation. If you've been called for "delay of game"
because of blown deadlines, it's time to develop a new strategy. Help yourself
and your colleagues by identifying and prioritizing your most pressing demands
each day. Then, avoid the urge to multitask and focus on tackling the
assignments that have the biggest impact on team initiatives and the bottom
line.
Punt the politics.
Gossip exists in nearly every
workplace. But that doesn't mean you have to play the game. Rise above the fray
by avoiding the rumormongers at the water cooler. While it can be beneficial to
be aware of the political undercurrents at your organization, skip the
mudslinging sessions in favor of open communication, respect and diplomacy.
Don't get into the blame game.
Nobody likes a Monday
morning quarterback. If a colleague makes a mistake that affects the entire
team, don't jump on the bandwagon. Instead, put your energy into helping
correct the problem so that everyone can move forward. Moreover, when you
fumble, be accountable for your actions and own up to the error.
Share the glory.
Play fair and give credit where it is
due. If your manager singles you out for stellar work on a project, be sure to
offer public kudos to those who helped you. There's no better way to build
rapport, foster goodwill and gain allies than by honoring the unsung heroes in
your group.
Finally, be willing to take one for the team. Whenever
your schedule allows, score points by pitching in to assist overworked
coworkers. By maintaining a can-do attitude and consistently going the extra
mile for your teammates when they are being blitzed, you'll ensure there is no
shortage of helping hands available when you need backup.
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit www.workvine.com.
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