5 qualities of a good team member essay

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Teamwork — Essential Qualities of Good Team Members

Essential Qualities of Good Team Members

Categories: Communication Skills Teamwork

About this sample

Words: 666 |

Published: Aug 31, 2023

Words: 666 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Strong communication skills, collaborative mindset and adaptability, reliability and accountability, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills, contributing ideas and taking initiative, open-mindedness and respect for diversity, positive attitude and motivation, time management and organizational skills, conclusion: nurturing qualities that propel team success.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

Expert in: Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 694 words

3 pages / 1385 words

4 pages / 1822 words

2 pages / 790 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Teamwork

Teamwork is a fundamental aspect of human collaboration, enabling individuals to achieve goals that would be challenging or even impossible to reach alone. In this essay, we will explore the critical qualities that underpin [...]

Doctors and nurses are two essential components of the healthcare system, working together to provide high-quality care to patients. While their roles may differ in terms of responsibilities and level of education, they share [...]

Leadership is a crucial aspect in various domains of life, from business to politics, education to community service. In today's world, effective leadership is essential for driving positive change, fostering collaboration, and [...]

Undertaking missions is a crucial aspect of many organizations, whether they are non-profit, government, or corporate entities. Missions are defined as specific tasks or objectives that an organization sets out to achieve within [...]

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” This proverb by Henry Ford can very well highlight the importance teamwork. This essay disusses the ability to work in teams as one of [...]

According to Dewey, 1933 reflection is a deliberate and active process about thinking to learn.The aim of this reflective journal is to analyse in the first part, my role, as an implementer, to plan a workable strategy and carry [...]

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

What Makes a Good Team Member: 21 Effective Qualities

Team members play a critical role in the success of any project or organization. People tend to believe teams must work really hard to be considered good, but when we want to build an effective team, there are other important team player skills that need to be embraced to ensure a team’s success, collaboration, high performance, and long-term sustainability.

From strong communication skills to problem solving skills to a healthy, positive attitude, there is a wide array of qualities team players should strive for to build a successful team. In this article, we’ll explore the 18 qualities and skills that every manager should look for in potential team members.

What Does It Mean To Be a Great Team Player in the Workplace?

Over time, the profile of a great team player has changed to fit workplace trends. According to various authors, in “action teams” , each team member possesses specific information or expertise to contribute to the team task or a certain project. Therefore, a strong team member is one who can support the team no matter what the task may be. All teams have multiple purposes, whether is to reach sales goals, develop a new product, or complete a project.

Yet, we can identify a great team player if — (1) accomplishes the work of the team, (2) strengthens the capabilities of the team itself, and (3) fosters the well-being of individual teammates. Being an effective team player means being collaborative, supportive, and reliable. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to reflect on your own team player qualities:

Do I actively listen to my teammates’ ideas and opinions, and do I consider them when making decisions?
Am I willing to take on difficult tasks that may not be part of my job description to help the team achieve its goals?
Do I provide constructive feedback to my teammates, and am I receptive to feedback from other team members?
Am I accountable for my actions and decisions, and am I taking responsibility for my mistakes?
Do I prioritize the needs of the team over my own personal interests or agenda?

If as a manager or an employee, you are having a hard time answering the questions above, you might need to work on your team player qualities and job descriptions and responsibilities. Below, we’ll explore the 18 best qualities that to be a better team player, and to help managers in the hiring process.

List of Team Player Characteristics

Open-minded and receptive.

Being open-minded and receptive to new ideas, feedback, and changes is extremely valuable in any team setting. Great teammates are those who are humble when providing input, and they don’t take criticism personally. They understand that different people bring different skills, experiences, and knowledge to the table; therefore they are open to ideas from their peers and act as a sounding board for each other. Open-minded teammates can adapt to new ideas and make compromises when needed.

Practices Effective Communication

According to a ClearCompany survey, 86% of employees and executives attribute workplace failures to a lack of collaboration and poor communication . Strong communication skills are necessary for any team to succeed. Great teammates are those who communicate effectively, whether it’s in-person or through written means.

They express their ideas confidently and clearly, while also paying attention to what other team members have to say. Effective communication means using language that everyone can understand, being clear when expressing ideas and opinions, and being polite even when disagreeing. It also means having the courage to ask questions if something isn’t clear.

Promotes Cooperation

At its core, cooperation is the subtle skill of knowing how to work collaboratively towards common ground, and it’s a vital component of any team’s success. When team members informed, they cooperate, share ideas, communicate effectively, and trust one another to do their part along the project.

A good team player recognizes the importance of cooperation and encourages it by being a good listener, sharing information, and offering support and feedback. They understand that everyone has something valuable to contribute and strive to create an atmosphere of inclusivity, respect, and teamwork.

Open to Help Teammates

An effective team player isn’t just focused on individual tasks, but they are also willing to help out their teammates when needed. They understand the importance of teamwork and recognize that it takes everyone’s effort to reach the group’s goal.

These types of team players offer support and guidance whenever possible, even if it’s not directly related to their own responsibilities. They go out of their way to lend a helping hand and offer assistance, even if the task is outside of their job description.

Takes the Initiative

A good team player is proactive by taking initiative and anticipating the needs of the team. They don’t just wait for instructions but actively seek out ways to contribute to the group’s success. Taking initiative also means thinking outside of the box to come up with creative solutions and not waiting for someone else to make the first move.

They are willing to take on additional responsibilities and are always looking for ways to improve the team’s performance. A proactive team player is a valuable asset to any group because they help to keep the team moving forward and prevent problems from arising.

Conscious Optimistic

Team players who are conscious of their own and others’ level of optimism can help to maintain a positive attitude. They remain upbeat in challenging situations and strive to see the silver lining in each situation. Having an optimistic teammate is important because it helps to keep morale high, which can help to motivate the team and keep them focused on achieving their goals. An optimistic team player is also more likely to be resilient in the face of adversity, which can be a valuable trait in any positive work environment.

Motivates and Inspires Team Members

A good team player is more than just a passive member of the team. These types of teammates encourage and motivate their peers, helping to make sure everyone stays focused on the task at hand. They are willing to take the time to listen to their team members’ ideas and provide constructive feedback to help them improve.

They inspire others by being passionate about what they do, setting a positive example, and emphasizing the importance of teamwork. In addition to motivating their teammates, these players also take the time to recognize and appreciate their efforts. This helps to create a sense of unity and collaboration that is essential for any successful team environment.

Cultivates Leadership Skills

A good team player knows how to lead when necessary. As everyone has different leadership styles, a great team player is able to recognize and adapt their style to best suit the group. They know when to take the leadership role, how to delegate tasks effectively, and are willing to share credit with their teammates when due.

They are able to take charge and make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. Leadership isn’t always about being the loudest or most outspoken. A great team player is aware that leading can also mean setting a good example for their peers and inspiring them to do their best recognizing potential in each of their teammates.

Check out our blog post on “How to Develop Leadership Skills (The Right Way)” here.

Knows When to Take a Step Back

Great group players also know when to take a step back and let others take the lead. They understand that every member of the group should have an opportunity to shine, and they don’t always have to be in control or be the center of attention. These players are aware of their own strengths and weaknesses and will recognize when someone else has a better grasp on the task.

They are also comfortable with admitting when they don’t know something and asking for help if needed. They rejoice in learning from their teammates, celebrate the successes of their teammates, and don’t take credit for their work. Knowing when to take a step back can be just as important as taking initiative, and effective team players understand this balance in their career.

Get more out of your business

Get the best employee engagement content every week via mailing list

Has a Critical Eye

An ideal team member also has a critical eye, meaning they know how to identify and address problems quickly and efficiently. They understand the importance of being able to think critically and can easily analyze various situations. They are able to evaluate the pros and cons of different options and choose the best course of action for the entire team.

These players are able to spot issues before they become major problems, which helps prevent delays or mistakes that could hinder the team’s goals. They have the ability to evaluate the current team dynamics and suggest solutions that could improve the overall performance of the group. Critical thinking is a valuable skill that every team player should possess, as it helps keep teams on track toward achieving their goals.

Knows When to Entrust Tasks to Others

Good team players are also comfortable leaning on their teammates for help and support. They understand that delegating tasks to others is essential for success, and they know when to trust someone else with a task or project. These types of players encourage their co workers to take ownership of what they do, allowing them to put their own unique skills and abilities into practice. Entrusting difficult tasks to others also helps to create a team dynamic in which everyone feels valued and respected, as each individual is given the opportunity to show their strengths.

Active Listener

Active listening is an essential quality for any strong team player. To be an active listener means to fully engage with what the speaker is saying by giving them your full attention, acknowledging their message, and responding appropriately. A great team player will pay close attention to what their co workers are saying and take the time to really understand different points of view.

They are patient when engaging in conversations, allowing each person the chance to speak without interruption or judgment. They ask pertinent questions and provide feedback if needed, but always with respect for others’ opinions. Team players with active listening skills can more effectively collaborate with their colleagues, build strong working relationships, and achieve better results.

Curiosity-Driven

A strong team player is also curious and eager to learn. They are open to new ideas and approaches, eager to explore different options, and are never afraid to ask questions. Curiosity helps group members stay engaged, as they are constantly exploring and discovering new ways of doing things or executing a project.

By being curious, teammates can better understand their colleagues’ perspectives and challenge themselves to find innovative solutions. Curiosity can also help teams become more creative, as they are unafraid of trying new things and pushing the boundaries. A curious team is likely to make breakthroughs that would otherwise have been missed.

Problem Solving Skills

It’s not like we are expecting your workplace to be a battleground, but indeed, challenges arise and sometimes, unexpectedly! An effective team player will be able to identify and address any problems that may arise. They are skilled in finding solutions, looking at the big picture, and making decisions quickly and objectively.

They also bring a positive force to solving problems, showing resilience in the face of difficulties and an eagerness to learn from mistakes. Great teammates understand how to negotiate differences between team members, helping to build understanding and create a space where everyone can thrive.

Absence of Envy and Jealousy

Envy and jealousy have no place in the workplace, but unfortunately, these feelings can be unavoidable. An ideal team player is able to recognize and manage emotions like envy or jealousy and not let them disrupt the team dynamic. They understand that everyone has something to contribute and celebrate their colleagues’ accomplishments without feeling resentful or bitter.

These types of players also don’t take credit for other people’s work. They are willing to give credit where it is due and don’t let personal feelings get in the way of recognizing a colleague’s successes. By creating an environment free from envy and jealousy, teams can focus on working effectively together towards common goals without distraction or negative energy.

Generosity Shines Through

A great team player is generous with their time, energy, and resources. They understand that the success of the team depends on everyone doing their part and they are willing to go above and beyond when needed. They enjoy helping their co workers, even if it means sacrificing some of their own time or taking on additional tasks.

These types of players also understand the importance of giving credit where it is due and recognize when someone has gone above and beyond. When a team member shines, a good teammate will be sure to show their appreciation in some way. Generosity helps to create a team environment that celebrates success and encourages everyone on the team to do their best work.

Self-Awareness

“Self-awareness means recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of oneself and focusing on them”. An outstanding team player is self-aware and knows how to best use their skills and team player qualities. They take responsibility for their actions, understand their own limitations, and strive to improve. They understand how their behavior affects others on the team and are conscious of the impact they have on the team dynamic.

These team members also recognize the importance of adapting to different situations and work effectively as part of a team. They know when to take the lead and when it’s better to step back and let someone else shine. Teams with a high level of consciousness make better judgments, interact better with one another, and successfully manage tensions and conflicts.

Open to Feedback

Effective team players work to offer constructive feedback and use it to become better team player. They understand that criticism is a necessary part of growth and they don’t take it personally. Instead, they use criticism as an opportunity to learn and improve their skills and abilities to move forward in their career.

Great team players are also willing to give feedback to their co workers when asked. They provide honest and constructive feedback in a respectful way. Great team players are not afraid to speak up when they feel something needs to be discussed, understanding that communicating effectively is one of the key points to conflict resolution and achieving success.

Dependable and Responsible

A dependable team member can always be relied upon to complete their assigned tasks and responsibilities on time and to a high-quality standard.

Even when facing distractions or challenges, a dependable teammate remains focused on delivering excellent results.

These team members take full ownership of their contributions. If they make mistakes, they take responsibility rather than making excuses or blaming others.

Their colleagues know they can count on them to meet all deadlines and produce work that the team can be proud of.

When everyone demonstrates commitment and accountability, the team can move forward seamlessly in achieving team goals.

Conflict Resolution Skills

Valuable team players have strong conflict-resolution skills. They can quickly identify issues as they come up and help resolve conflicts before they have a chance to escalate into major problems.

These members promote open and respectful communication between team members. They listen actively and seek to understand all perspectives in a disagreement.

They know how to give constructive feedback diplomatically and aim for fair compromises that satisfy everyone’s key needs.

Team players with great conflict-resolution abilities do not shy away from difficult conversations. They are willing to surface problems head-on while remaining focused on finding solutions.

What Are Examples of Collaborative Teamwork Skills?

Collaborative teamwork skills are exercised in a variety of real-world scenarios. From the sales industry to science fields and even the construction industry, having a good set of collaborative skills is essential to be successful. Some examples of these types of skills include:

The NASA Mars Exploration Team exemplifies the power of collaborative teamwork skills and problem-solving. Their mission: to design and execute exploratory missions to the red planet. This requires seamless collaboration across various departments, including engineering, science, and mission operations. Together, they tackle intricate challenges related to spacecraft design, landing systems, and scientific instruments, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and exploration.
Tesla’s Product Development Team exemplifies dynamism in action. This talented group is responsible for designing and developing the company’s electric vehicles, solar products, and energy storage systems. Comprised of engineers, designers, and various experts, they collaborate seamlessly across departments to create innovative and sustainable solutions. Their collective success stems from their ability to work collaboratively towards a shared goal.
Google’s Data Science Team is a great example of collaborative data-driven decision-making. This team researches, experiments, and leverages the power of machine learning to create smarter products and services for users. They combine their best team players qualities, with the collective expertise in mathematics, statistics, and computer science to analyze large datasets and turn them into actionable insights.

Key Takeaways

As researchers Katzenbach and Smith stated in the Harvard Business: “Groups don’t become teams because that is what someone calls them.” Building an effective team is essential for any business. The qualities of a great team player are essential to creating an environment that is conducive to build trust, collaboration, and success.

Making sure that everyone has the skills to be a good team member will help ensure that teams can work efficiently towards their goals. A manager plays a key role in building team dynamics and encouraging these team player qualities in each of their teammates.

-The Monitask Team

Try Monitask

Track employee productivity and simplify work with them

What are the top 3 skills that make a team player?

Communication, cooperation, and reliability are the top 3 skills for an effective team player. A team succeeds through collaboration, so members must convey ideas clearly, compromise when needed, and deliver quality work on time.

What are the 5 roles of teamwork?

The 5 roles vital for productive teamwork are leader, implementer, innovator, team builder, and analyzer. Leadership sets direction, implementation executes plans, innovation fuels creativity, team building unites members, and analysis ensures quality outcomes.

A Disloyal Employee – How to Spot Them?

Loyalty is highly valued in interpersonal relations. This is usually understood as loyalty to values, attitudes and consistency, which is expressed in honesty in relationships. In the labor market, loyalty is a valuable feature of a good employee. Its weight is significant and contributes to a high degree of discipline and compliance. In our view,…

How To Calculate Idle Time At Work

According to research by Harvard Business School in 2018, 78.1% of workers involuntary experience idle time weekly, costing their employers about $100 billion a year. When employees are unproductive, it can have severe implications for business owners and their organizations. It’s good for businesses to have an idle time calculator in place to know how…

What to Do With Low Employee Productivity At Your Workplace: Proven Strategies for Improvement

Employee productivity is a hot topic in the business world. Every company wants to know how to get the most out of their employees, but what happens when you have low employee productivity at your workplace? There are several reasons for decreased productivity, and it’s crucial to nip the problem in the bud before it…

Try Monitask now. First 10 days free

No credit card required

Privacy Overview

Join 150k+ leaders reading our Monthly Newsletter.

5 qualities of a great team player

David Silbert

Scour job descriptions or work on a team long enough, and you’ll inevitably encounter the words “team player.” It’s a universally lauded skill, of course, but it’s also a phrase that means different things depending on who you ask.

That’s not to say there aren’t common trends all great collaborators share. Whether you’re a tenured employee or gearing up for your next opportunity, it helps to brush up on your fundamentals. In this blog, we’ll explore five traits that make an ideal team player.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

What does it mean to be a team player in the workplace?

What qualities make a good team player at work?

What are examples of collaborative teamwork skills.

Ready? Let’s dive right in.

A personalized leadership approach for each team member.

PI’s behavioral insights help leaders inspire and coach each employee in a way they truly connect with.

What does it mean to be a great team player in the workplace?

At its core, being a team player means being ready, willing, and able to support the team—no matter what lies ahead.

In sports, the best team players are the ones who act unselfishly and make decisions for the good of the team. LeBron James may be the best player on the basketball court at any given moment. But if the clock’s ticking and he spots an open teammate, he’ll pass the ball.

The same principles apply in a workplace setting. As an individual contributor, it can be tempting to make decisions based solely on your own needs. Maybe you enjoy doing certain tasks over others, or feel there’s more career “potential” being on Project A than Project B.

While these needs shouldn’t be discounted, they shouldn’t be the end-all, be-all either. In a team setting, it’s important to understand not just your needs, but also those of your fellow collaborators . When weighing decisions, ask yourself questions like:

Does the work I’m doing further the team’s goals?
Are there other areas where the team needs my expertise?
If I don’t do this, will it cause problems for others?
What can I do to better help the team succeed?

A great team player is constantly walking that line between the self and the group. To them, public recognition is satisfying, but so is sharing that spotlight with the entire team. And, like the best athletes, they tend to elevate those around them—and help them thrive.

There are many hallmarks of a good team player, but the most pertinent traits tie back to supporting and facilitating . The more you can do to build people up and make their work easier, the more cohesive the team will be. And that can pay off in terms of productivity and results.

Here are five characteristics that make an effective team player:

1. Flexibility

Collaboration is all about compromise—and flexibility. When presented with difficult timetables or deliverables, try to meet your peers halfway. Start a dialogue about what’s reasonable and what’s not, and do your best to accommodate their needs.

Flexibility doesn’t mean bending over backwards, granted. In a team environment, it’s important that everyone do their fair share and strive for quality work. Don’t be afraid to push back where you see missed responsibilities or poor accountability. But always come from a place of good intent, and assume the same of your teammates.

2. Active listening

Collaboration often evokes feelings of sociability and shared ideas. While that’s certainly accurate, it’s equally important to take time to listen and reflect.

Make sure you’re putting as much energy into other people’s ideas as you do your own. If you catch yourself talking for the majority of a team meeting, cede the floor to those who haven’t spoken. Invite those who might normally feel intimidated to share their thoughts.

When listening to your peers, let them see you’re engaged. Make eye contact, and keep the body language positive (e.g., smiling, nodding). By being an active listener, you show others you value their input. Not only does this build trust; it also encourages innovation and creativity.

3. Problem-solving

Collaborating also means being able to think critically and solve issues when they arise. While problem-solving often pertains to projects or tasks, it also applies to people.

A great team player doubles as a great intermediator in times of conflict. When team members aren’t seeing eye to eye on a certain project, put your active listening to good use. Consider the different sides of the argument, and try to be impartial and respective of all points of view.

Remind your peers that you’re all working toward the same goals. By establishing good intent from all parties, you can ensure conflict that’s constructive, rather than detrimental. And that’ll help the team work toward a healthier resolution.

4. Effective communication

To be a strong team facilitator, you also need top-notch communication skills. And that starts with a thorough understanding of your teammates’ natural behavioral tendencies.

Say you’re highly extraverted and informal. If your peers carry themselves similarly, the best way to communicate may be with a group meeting or impromptu Slack thread. But if people are more reserved or rather formal, you may get better results with 1-on-1 conversations or emails.

In short, share information in a way that fits your teammates’ needs . And strive to do so while being honest and transparent.

5. Positive attitude

While not a technical skill, positivity can be instrumental when looking to become a better team player. Think of it as the hidden x-factor you can leverage anytime, anywhere.

Bring energy and enthusiasm to every team meeting. Offer help to your colleagues where you see an opportunity. Find new ways to collaborate with and learn from one another. Above all, celebrate your team’s successes—and encourage everyone to accept failure with grace.

By maintaining that positivity, you can help break down walls that hinder communication and stifle collaboration. Teammates may feel more comfortable bringing ideas to you or seeking your support. And in turn, they may be more willing to lend a hand when you need it most.

When looking to be part of a dream team, it helps to have examples of past collaborations well worth emulating.

In sports, an obvious choice would be the U.S. women’s national soccer team. Not only has the group won the Women’s World Cup a record four times , but it’s also only the second team to win back-to-back titles (2015 and 2019). If there’s a paragon of teamwork out there, it’s this one.

Another great candidate is the 1992 U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team, or “Dream Team.” This team made history for being the first Olympic team to include NBA players. Perhaps more importantly, it’s remembered fondly for its unquestionable talent and extraordinary cohesion .

In the business world, look at the teams at Apple and Microsoft, who forever changed the way we communicate. Or, leave the world altogether and think of the Apollo 11 launch, which saw astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin land on the Moon.

No team is built the same, but in each of these cases, the results were a joint effort. Just as you don’t reach the Moon or Olympic finals by yourself, you can’t expect to go far on a team unless you work as a cohesive whole .

Discover new opportunities for team collaboration.

By putting all of the above to action, you can ensure teamwork that’s organic and genuine. But achieving this takes time—not to mention continual self-improvement.

When in doubt, keep your team’s needs in mind. First, consider the group’s strategic goals. Then think about the people who make up your team—their personalities and behaviors—and where you fit into the mix. By understanding how these pieces fit together, you can identify ways to strengthen cohesion and find areas to better collaborate.

Having data on hand makes this easier. PI’s Team Discovery tool can help you see you, your team, and your strategy at a glance. Use the tool to see your Team Type, or the collective behavioral makeup of your team. From there, learn where your strengths lie as a group—and where there are gaps relative to the goals you’re pursuing.

Whether you’re an Exploring Team focused on innovation, a Stabilizing Team focused on building efficiencies, or something else entirely, there are always opportunities to collaborate as a team. Find your identity, embrace your strengths, and strive to make each workday smoother than the last.

Like the very best in sports, be a team player, and you’ll have your goals within sight soon enough.

Strategies for becoming a better team player

There’s no one-size-fits-all method for becoming a better team plater, but there are some simple, tried-and-true tactics for sharpening your teamwork traits. You can strive to:

Identify strengths and weaknesses.

Behavioral data supports this sort of self-awareness. PI’s Behavioral Assessment helps you better understand your strongest drives, and how they might show up in the workplace. Understanding your Reference Profile also allows you to see which behaviors are less pronounced, and where you might need to stretch to fit the demands of a given role.

Build positive relationships with teammates.

The same behavioral awareness can be applied at the peer and team levels, as well. Understanding a colleague’s strongest natural behaviors can help you communicate and work better with them, providing the foundation for a productive professional relationship. Visualizing these behaviors at the team level helps you understand group dynamics , and anticipate where your team may clash, struggle or stall out.

Be open to learning new things.

Having a learning mindset generally makes you a better teammate. Your peers will notice your desire for development. In turn, they will trust you enough to ask for your help, and they’ll value your input, even on matters or projects that might be beyond the defined scope of your role. Learning new skills, or familiarizing yourself with new tools, also makes you more attractive for promotions, raises, or new responsibilities.

Respect different ideas and perspectives.

Trust is foundational to any functioning team, but you can’t gain trust in your teammates if you don’t respect their perspective. Assume positive intent, and remember that, for the most part, the people you work with most closely have the same goals you do. Consider your shared fate when someone offers a new idea or perspective, and be open-minded about the ways it can potentially benefit the team.

Learn to embrace change and challenges.

The better you navigate change, the more resilient you’ll become. And resiliency is a trait with immense value, both for individuals and as a team. If you approach change and adversity with the same learning mindset you do new responsibilities, you’ll come out better for it. Professional growth, like personal growth, is often about recognizing the lesson that lies within the challenge, and accepting it, difficult as it may be.

Team player FAQs

Why is it important to be a team player when it comes to career development .

As mentioned above, team players are valued for their open, growth-oriented, collaborative mindset. People will take notice of this approach, and remember when the time comes to consider candidates for promotions, raises, and increased responsibilities.

What is a team player mentality?

A team player mentality is defined by trust, an appetite for learning, and a readiness to collaborate and consider everyone’s perspective. A team player recognizes it’s about the greater good, and they look for ways to benefit the whole, not just themselves.

What is the difference between a team player and a team leader?

A team leader bears the responsibilities of motivating, empowering, and delegating. Leaders are guided by what the team needs, but must also consider the broader business interests, often including other teams. A team player might do all those things, and more. In truth, a team player can be a team leader, if not in name, but through their actions. But they’ll also play other roles, depending on (and always prioritizing) what the team needs.

Get Paid For Your Feedback

Join our research program today and get paid for your feedback. Earn an Amazon gift card of up to $100 for each session you attend. You’ll get a first look at what we’re working on, and you’ll get to influence and improve our website.

David is a content writer and editor at PI. He loves Broadway and the Boston Celtics.

A PI employing building trust through open, honest communication

How to build trust in a team (even virtually)

Teams that communicate effectively share these three traits

Crush your team goals with Team Discovery

Create your free pi learn account..

I would like to receive marketing emails from The Predictive Index. View our Privacy Policy.

By creating a Learn account, you’re agreeing to accept The Predictive Index Terms of Service .

We’re committed to your privacy. The Predictive Index uses the information you provide to contact you about relevant content, products, and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information, check out our privacy policy .

Thank you for registering for PI Learn!

Please check your email for your account information.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Join 150K+ business and HR leaders and stay up to date with our top resources.

I would like to receive marketing emails from The Predictive Index. By submitting my information, I agree to be subject to PI's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

By submitting your information, you agree to be subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Coach Portal

Executive Coaching
Leadership Training
Executive Presence
Manager Development
Team Assessment & Alignment
Executive Team Development
New Leader Assimilation
Presentation & Orals Coaching
Change Strategy & Training
Strategic Planning & Board Services
Culture Assessment & Integration
Organizational Design
Employee Experience
Succession & Workforce Planning
Career Management
Promote Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Competency Modeling
LEAD NOW! Model
LEAD NOW! All Access
Teaming For Success Model
Assessments
Certifications
Facilitation
Client Success Stories
Clients & Partners
Join Our Team
Ask A Coach
Blog Articles
Leadership Lessons
LEAD NOW! Videos
White Papers
Leadership Growth Hour
LEAD NOW! Certifications
Teaming For Success Certifications
Connect With Us
Assessment Center

9 Traits of an Ideal Team Member

--> Executive Teams ,--> Teaming ,--> Teaming for Success -->