The ability to work in a team is a strong skill that will aid you in your professional career. Teamwork plays a significant role in the workplace because it can help a business flourish and create a sense of camaraderie. It doesn’t stop there, working in a team can also…
Increase innovative thinking.
Improve productivity.
Result in a better outcome when working towards a common goal.
Improve a company’s culture and work environment.
Boosting your CV
Not only does the ability to work in a team make you a valuable employee, but it is a great attribute to display on your CV when searching for a new role. The reason for this is that it shows potential employers that you can communicate well with others, take on board other people’s ideas, and support those who need a little extra help.
During an interview, it's quite common for hiring managers to question you about your ability to work within a team, as it shines a light on your behaviour and helps them measure your compatibility with the company culture.
But…how do you master teamwork in the workplace? It doesn’t come easy to everyone, especially if you are used to working independently or depending on yourself for results. Nevertheless, it’s always beneficial to have this skill up your sleeve because you never know when it might come in handy!
Top tips on becoming a Teamwork Pro:
Communicate - Practicing open communication is the best way to understand each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and professional goals. If you all share a common goal, (for example, a work project), you should encourage your colleagues to share their thoughts and ideas, as their different perspectives will help boost your team’s innovative thinking and bring you towards your goal quicker.
In addition, active communication means that you are more likely to avoid conflict. If any issues or disagreements arise then you can address them and work together to find solutions.Delegate Tasks - One person can’t take on all the responsibilities which is why it’s important to delegate tasks to other members of the team. Before doing this, discuss with your colleagues and go over what everyone can bring to the table. This will help you understand which tasks are most appropriate for each individual or you can even tailor the tasks to their strengths. By sharing the burden, you are not only creating a trusting relationship, but you are also showing your teammates that you respect them and their professional abilities.
Be Honest - To build a strong relationship with your teammates, you need to be open and honest. If you make a mistake or think there is something your team can improve on… then don’t keep this to yourself. Sometimes it can be hard admitting to your mistakes or pointing out other people’s, but in the long run, withholding information can negatively impact your team and hinder their progress.
The Personal Benefits of Working in a Team
Whilst teamwork is about sharing responsibilities and putting your minds together to problem solve, there are also personal benefits that can help you professionally. For example:
When you work in a team, you are surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds with various skill sets and abilities. You can develop yourself professionally by learning from your colleagues, expanding your knowledge, and increasing your innovative thinking.
Being part of a team means that when issues arise at work, there are people who will have your back. For example, your colleagues can offer you advice and guidance so that you don’t have to go through it alone. A team’s success doesn’t just come from one or two people reaching their goals, it comes from everyone putting in an equal effort in order to reach a shared outcome.