It may seem sometimes that teamwork is something everybody talks about and nobody does anything about. But teamwork can and does exist. A wise man once said: "there is no stronger force in this world than a group of people working willingly toward the same specific goal." Teams are made not born. The best results are obtained when people work together with a sense of commitment to one another as well as to their organization.
It has been found that unity of purpose is a chief distinguishing feature of an outstanding managerial group. Team effectiveness stems from shared obligations for the organization and understanding of the role and responsibilities of each member of the team. Are you a good team member? A person can be a good member without being a good team member. What constitutes a good team member? There are nine important components:
#1 - A TEAM MEMBER IS LOYAL Loyalty to each team member and to the team as a whole is essential. This means that a team member must support team decisions regardless of personal preference. Present a united front to the membership. Don't wash dirty linen in public. Don't bad mouth other team members. Learn to address issues and avoid personality conflicts. Sometimes it's difficult to separate oneself from the issue and the person presenting the issue but a good team member learns how to do it. Keep board and committee discussions confidential.
#2 - A TEAM MEMBER IS COMMITTED Each of us makes a choice as to the role we will play on the team. We either join in as an active, caring member or we go through the motions from the sidelines. The active, caring team member says, "I make a difference. What I do makes it possible for the board or committee to run smoothly. I'm part of what outsiders see when they judge my team. With every telephone conversation, every personal contact, every letter, I make a statement about my organization."
#3 - A TEAM MEMBER IS DEPENDABLE You will command respect in direct proportion to the number of people who have confidence that you will not let them down in any situation. When you undertake anything - finish it. Build a reputation as a person who is thorough and sees things through. Let people be sure that your word is your bond.
#4 - A TEAM MEMBER IS GOAL-ORIENTED Goals need not be earth-shattering to be worthwhile. It's better to take small steps and reach your destination, than try to take giant strides and trip over your own feet.
Here is a test that is designed to help your team achieve its goals.
Ask yourself these questions and answer them thoroughly:
a) Where is my group headed? Are we accomplishing our responsibilities and achieving our goals?
b) What have I done today to help get these things done?
c) What will I do tomorrow to help get these things done even better?
Answering these questions could dramatically benefit your personal growth and your team's success. As a good team member, help determine how the goal should be accomplished. Input from everyone is needed. And your contribution is vital and important.
#5 - A TEAM MEMBER IS PROFESSIONAL Author Frank Tyger wrote: "Professionalism means consistency of quality." There are certain personal qualities that mark the true professional. You are a real pro a) if you are mature - if you have self-confidence that comes from accepting yourself and others as you see them. b) if you have integrity - you quite naturally project sincerity and are honest and fair in your dealings with others. c) if you are knowledgeable - with knowledge that comes from study about your office or committee assignment and our organization in general. d) if you have the right attitude and you are business-like in your approach to your responsibility. You respect other people's time and effort as well as your own. e) if you think, act and perform professionally.
#6 - A TEAM MEMBER IS CO-OPERATIVE During a hike in the woods one day, a troop of Boy Scouts came across an abandoned section of railroad tracks. Each in turn, tried to walk the rails, but eventually lost his balance and tumbled off. Suddenly, two of the boys, after considerable whispering, bet the others that they could both walk the entire length of the track without falling off. Challenged to make good their boast, the two boys jumped up on opposite rails, extended a hand to balance each other and walked the entire section of track with no difficulty whatever. This example of co-operation gives us a prime example of accomplishing a task through co-operative teamwork. The difference between a successful organization and a poor one is quite often a reflection of the co-operation, or lack of it, among the members of that organization. When there is no co-operation, no spirit of the helping hand freely extended, what might have been an interesting, challenging assignment becomes a depressing chore. But, when people willingly help each other, that spirit of teamwork has a way of removing any unpleasant aspects of the job ahead.
#7 - A TEAM MEMBER IS COURTEOUS Courtesy is defined as gentleness and politeness. It is the medium of social exchange just as money is the medium of economic exchange. Our manners are an extension of ourselves and we should use manners as a bridge to reach people, not as a fence to keep them away. No degree of friendship can justify or condone discourtesy. Courtesy is a habit that is useful toward success in any undertaking. Treat every one you meet with such consideration that his memory of you will be pleasant. No one is likely to say thank you too often. When any service is performed there should be no hesitation in expressing appreciation with a smile.
#8 - A TEAM MEMBER IS PEOPLE-ORIENTED This short anecdote illustrates the meaning of being people-oriented: A business friend who always seemed to be caught up in a constant round of activities and good causes of one sort or another, was once asked whether he found time for hobbies in his busy life. "Oh, yes", he said, "I have a great hobby - meeting people, talking to them and finding out the best about them."
Andrew Carnegie, an American industrialist in the 1800's who is known for having built one of the most powerful corporations in United States history, once said that it marks a big step in a person's development when he or she comes to realize that other people can be called on to help him or her do a better job than can be done alone.
#9 - A TEAM MEMBER IS ENTHUSIASTIC "Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money and power and influence. Enthusiasm tramples over prejudice and opposition, spurns inaction and like an avalanche overwhelms and engulfs all obstacles." - Anon.
"The more genuine enthusiasm we put into each day's work, the more we will accomplish. And the more we will inspire those around us to greater accomplishments. No assignment is too tough, no responsibility is too great to handle if we approach it with enthusiasm and the desire to do a good job. There seems to be a strange, almost magical power that emanates from people who have honest enthusiasm. We have all seen instances of how enthusiasm seems to breed unbelievable energy and resourcefulness for those who have it. He who is afraid to manifest enthusiasm lest his dignity suffer is not likely to have much dignity to lose by and by. Enthusiasm is the steam which makes the engine go!" - from "The Wonderful Power of Enthusiasm"
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