There’s a clear distinction between being just a member of a team and being a great team member.
This distinction often boils down to certain behaviors. Great team members, quite unconsciously, exhibit behaviors that make them stand out.
These behaviors, while subtle, have a profound impact on team dynamics and overall productivity. Without even realizing it, these individuals are the glue that holds the team together.
In this article, we’ll explore the 8 behaviors that great team members often display. These are the habits that make them invaluable to their teams, even if they’re not always aware of them. Let’s dive in!
1) Active listening
Teamwork thrives on clear communication and understanding.
Without realizing it, great team members often exhibit the behavior of active listening. While it sounds straightforward, this is an invaluable skill that is surprisingly rare.
Active listening is not just about hearing what’s being said, but truly understanding the message being communicated. It involves giving full attention, asking clarifying questions, and responding appropriately to the speaker.
Think about it. A team where members truly understand each other’s perspectives and ideas will be more cohesive and productive.
So, if you find yourself in a team with someone who always seems to ‘get’ what everyone else is saying, chances are they’re practicing active listening.
And the beauty of it? They might not even realize they’re doing it. But this one behavior can significantly enhance the effectiveness of a team.
2) Always willing to help
One thing I’ve noticed about great team members is their willingness to help others.
In my personal experience, I once worked with a colleague named John. He was always the first one to offer assistance, whether it was lending an ear to a team member dealing with a challenging task or staying late to help meet a team deadline.
John didn’t do this for praise or recognition. In fact, he often brushed off compliments, saying he was just doing his part for the team. But his actions had a profound impact on our team dynamics.
His willingness to help, often without even realizing he was going above and beyond, fostered a culture of generosity and support within our team. This not only made our work environment more pleasant but also significantly boosted our productivity and morale.
So, remember John next time you’re part of a team. His selfless behavior is a shining example of what makes someone a great team member.
3) They embrace diversity
Great team members often exhibit a remarkable acceptance and appreciation for diversity. They understand that different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can greatly enhance a team’s ability to solve problems and innovate.
Research conducted by Harvard Business Review found that diverse teams are able to solve problems faster than cognitively similar people. Interestingly, this isn’t something that occurs consciously.
When individuals embrace diversity, they create an environment where everyone feels valued and ideas can flourish. This individual behavior contributes significantly to the success of the team as a whole.
So, while they may not realize it, these team members are leveraging the power of diversity to boost their team’s performance.
4) Positivity is their second nature
Positivity might seem like an obvious trait of a great team member, but it’s often something they exhibit without consciously realizing it.
These individuals have a knack for maintaining a positive outlook even in challenging situations. They tend to focus on solutions rather than problems, and their optimism is contagious, often lifting the spirits of the entire team.
Moreover, they use positive language when communicating with others. This helps in fostering a healthy, collaborative environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute.
Their positivity doesn’t mean they ignore problems or challenges. Rather, they choose to approach these hurdles with a constructive and optimistic mindset. And in doing so, they significantly contribute to the team’s overall morale and productivity.
5) Empathy is their guiding principle
Sometimes, the most powerful behavior great team members display isn’t about what they do, but how they make others feel.
Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another – is a cornerstone of great teamwork. Great team members often exhibit empathy without even realizing it. They show genuine concern for their colleagues, and that goes beyond the confines of work tasks.
They can sense when a teammate is struggling, even when they try to hide it. They offer words of comfort, lend a listening ear, or even a shoulder to lean on. Their actions are guided by understanding and compassion, making others feel seen and valued.
This innate ability to empathize strengthens team bonds and fosters an environment of trust and mutual respect. It’s an inspiring trait that significantly enhances the human experience within a team.
6) They’re not afraid to admit their mistakes
Being part of a team means being human, and being human means sometimes we make mistakes. Great team members understand this.
I remember a project I was working on a few years ago. I had made an error in the financial projections that could potentially lead our team off course. It was a mistake that I could have easily covered up, but I knew that wasn’t the right thing to do.
Instead, I admitted my mistake to the team. There was no blaming or finger-pointing, just an immediate switch to problem-solving mode. The team appreciated my honesty and we were able to quickly correct the projections and get back on track.
Great team members often display this behavior – they own their mistakes and learn from them, rather than hiding them. They may not even realize it, but this honesty builds trust within the team and creates a safe space for others to admit their own errors.
7) They value each team member’s contribution
Great team members often exhibit a deep appreciation for the contributions of their peers. They understand that every role, no matter how small it seems, is vital for the success of the team.
They don’t just focus on their own responsibilities but take the time to acknowledge the work and effort of others. This could be as simple as a word of thanks or a compliment on a job well done.
This behavior may seem trivial, but it has a profound impact on team morale. When team members feel valued, they are more likely to put in their best efforts and take ownership of their work.
While they may not consciously realize it, these team members are fostering an environment of mutual respect and appreciation, which significantly boosts team cohesion and productivity.
8) They lead by example
The most impactful behavior great team members often display is leading by example. They embody the values and principles they want to see in the team.
They don’t just talk about teamwork, they live it. They are punctual, respectful, and consistent in their work ethic. They take responsibility, communicate openly, and show initiative.
Their actions inspire others around them to strive for excellence. They set the standard for what it means to be a great team member.
Leading by example is not about being the loudest or most visible member of the team. It’s about quietly doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. And while they might not realize it, this behavior has a profound influence on the culture of the team.
Final thought: It’s about the little things
Often, it’s the small, unnoticed behaviors that make the most significant impact on a team’s dynamics and success.
Just like how the butterfly effect suggests that a small change in one state of a deterministic nonlinear system can result in large differences in a later state, these seemingly inconsequential behaviors can create powerful ripples within a team.
It’s the active listening, the willingness to help, the embracing of diversity, the positivity, the empathy, the honesty, the appreciation of others, and leading by example.
These behaviors might not be grand or noticeable. They might not even be intentional. But their impact is undeniable.
Great team members, often unbeknownst to them, are the glue that holds teams together. They create an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to give their best.
So, as we reflect on these behaviors, let’s not just acknowledge them but strive to embody them in our own interactions. Because in the end, it’s these little things that make a big difference in creating great teams.
