The Tenets of Productive and Successful Teamwork

Oftentimes when we find ourselves on a team, our first thoughts lean toward the individual make-up of the team, what our role will be in the group, and how each of the individuals will interact with the others. As we further evaluate the group, we also begin to assign leaders and tasks in accordance to what we think could make the team most productive. Although these are very common thoughts for all members at the onset of a project, a successful team will take a very pragmatic approach to roles and responsibilities and put all hidden agendas aside for the benefit of the final product. But more importantly, they will ensure that all talents and skills are used to their fullest and that all individuals feel as though they are an important and integral part of the team.

In your next meeting with your mentoring partner, discuss the hallmarks of the most successful teams that you have been a part of in the past and how you can employ those qualities and characteristics to improve a team you may be currently on. The following are a few questions to discuss to determine if you are a great team player:

Am I amenable to the role that has been decided for me on the team? Or do I think that I should have a more prominent one?
Am I holding any preconceived notions about what I should be doing on the project?
Am I holding any preconceived notions about what a teammate should be doing on the project?
Am I truly considering the talents of another and how they may be better equipped for a certain task for this particular project?
Am I open to role and responsibility changes depending on the project?
Am I willing to take calculated risks for the team or am I worried about other’s perception of me?
Do I offer new ideas to the team or am I afraid that another will take full credit for them?
Am I looking at the project as what I can best do for it or am I more concerned with how it gets me noticed?
How do I interact with others on the team when I do not agree with how the project is being executed?
- Do I offer constructive suggestions?
- Am I respectful in my offering of a new approach?
Do I regularly complement my teammates when they have a solved a problem or had a breakthrough?
Do I offer any mentoring moments to those teammates with less experience?
Do I engage in activities outside of the office with my team to build camaraderie?
Do I take the time to celebrate with all the members when we have successfully completed the task?