How to Be an Effective Team Member

1. How to Be an Effective Team Member By: Kodi Look & Kyle Reese

2. Team Definition • “Two or more people with work roles that require them to be interdependent who operate within a larger social system, performing tasks relevant to the organization’s mission, with consequences that affect others inside and outside the organization, and who have membership that is identifiable to those on the team and those not on the team.”

3. 6 Ways To Be a Better Teammate • Communicate • Don’t blame others • Support group member’s ideas • No bragging • Listen actively • Get involved

4. Communicate • Good to communicate with teammates before conflicts or tension develops FORMALINFORMAL Formal reports Interacting Work schedules Formal Meetings

5. Don’t Blame Others • If you’re no pulling your weight, don’t blame others • Don’t make excuses if you are behind • Your teammates will be understanding

6. Support Group Member’s Ideas • No matter how silly their idea may be, consider it • Show your interest in other’s ideas, not just your own • Task cohesion – “team members’ attraction and commitment to the tasks and goals of the team” • Gives team members confidence to speak their mind without being shutdown

7. No Bragging • Don’t boast about success, people will resent you • Be humble about your accomplishments • Your work speaks for itself • If teammates compliment you, thank them

8. Listen Actively • Listen and look at speaker • Ask questions or add input to acknowledge that you are listening • If unclear or confused, don’t be afraid to ask for help • Listening skills are just as important as communication skills

9. Get Involved • Share ideas with teammates • Help out to get things done faster • Ask for help

10. References • http://www.effectivemeetings.com/teams/teamwork/effective.asp • Organizational Behavior: Key Concepts, Skills & Best Practices 2nd Edition by Angelo Kinicki & Robert Kreitner, 2006 McGraw-Hill Irwin