TUESDAY PROGRAM --- TEAM SURVIVOR
Working With and Managing Teams
AUTHOR: Debra Fox --- Corporate Trainer/Motivational Speaker
Have you ever had a job that made you want to stay in bed? I've had that job before...I would wake up in the morning and have to negotiate with myself to go to work. "I promise if you go to work I'll take you somewhere nice for lunch!"
Research shows that one of the top reasons people hate their jobs is their co-workers. Team members who make work miserable can make a job miserable as well.
Today's blog is dedicated to talking about the actions you can take to be a GREAT team member. You don't want to be responsible for making the work place miserable.
If You're a Team Member
Don't be the Negaholic
There are people in the workplace who light up a room when they leave it --- the negaholics! Leave your personal drama at home. Find the positive in any situation. Find the positive in your fellow team members.
Don't Blame Others
People in your group lose respect for you if you're constantly blaming others for not meeting deadlines. You're not fooling anyone, people know who isn't pulling his weight in a group. Pointing the finger will only make you look cowardly. Group members understand if you have a heavy workload and weren't able to meet a deadline. Saying something like, "I'm apologize, but I'll get it to you by the end of today." will earn you a lot more respect than trying to make it seem like it's everyone else's fault that you missed your deadline.
Support Group Member's Ideas
If a teammate suggests something, always consider it – even if it's the silliest idea you've ever heard! Considering the group's ideas shows you're interested in other people's ideas, not just your own. And this makes you a good team member. After all, nobody likes a know-it-all.
No Bragging
It's one thing to rejoice in your successes with the group, but don't act like a superstar. Doing this will make others regret your personal successes and may create tension within the group. You don't have to brag to let people know you've done a good job, people will already know. Have faith that people will recognize when good work is being done and that they'll let you know how well you're doing. Your response? Something like "Thanks, that means a lot." is enough.
Listen Actively
Look at the person who's speaking to you, nod, ask probing questions and acknowledge what's said by paraphrasing points that have been made. If you're unclear about something that's been said, ask for more information to clear up any confusion before moving on. Effective communication is a vital part of any team, so the value of good listening skills shouldn't be underestimated.
READERS -- share below your tough team member experiences.
Debra Fox is the President of IDG Speakers Bureau and a Corporate Trainer/Speaker.
To bring Debra to your organization, call IDG Speakers Bureau.
