One of the most desirable qualities of the greatest leaders is their ability to work together as a team. Learning to work productively in a team dynamic can serve as a significant contribution, especially in industries such as health care and education. Individuals who continuously excel in their careers throughout Alberta focus on the qualities required to become an excellent team player.

Here are five key components to focus on if you are looking to strengthen your teamwork abilities:

Positive Attitude

Every team player should have a positive attitude and approach towards the projects at hand. Blame games, spreading rumours, grudges, unnecessary fights, etc. are the negatives that you must avoid at every cost when you work within a team. If you don’t agree with something or someone in the group, address it positively, and resolve the issue with the concerned person. Lastly, make sure that you take feedback constructively, otherwise, it can create problems within the team.

Listening Skills

One of the greatest qualities of an exceptional team player is that he or she should have patience and interest in respectfully listening to what other team members say. A good team player should be open to taking suggestions, ideas, viewpoints, and feedback from fellow members, and work on the best method towards success. If you are a team player, focus on listening more and understanding what others are saying, rather than doing everything on your own and creating an imbalance in the team.

Communication Skills

For working in teams, communication is the biggest key. The lack of brainstorming and broadening your perspective by working within a team can harm your opportunity to grow professionally. Don’t refrain from sharing what’s on your mind. Maintain total transparency with your teammates, and you will work towards success collectively. A great team player uses communication as the key to the team’s success.

Support

Planning for your success is essential, but all your teammates should be successful so that your team can perform well. For this, you may have to support and help your fellow team members. Nobody’s perfect at everything. If you are good at something, for example, speaking in public, help other team members who lack the same kind of expertise. Likewise, your colleagues can help you if you need support with something. Supporting and helping each other whenever necessary is one of the most important mantras for good teamwork.

Problem-Solving Skills

While your team leader works on solving problems, there is no reason you can’t offer solutions yourself. If you know the solution to a problem that your team or team leader is facing, don’t refrain from speaking. Put forth your suggestions and explain how it can help the team. As mentioned earlier, focus on communication within your organization, and you can collectively take steps towards success by tackling every problem.

Columbia College believes in inspiring team-spirit in its students so they can learn to work in teams and be successful together.