There is no single definition for the word team; however for the purpose of this study a team consists of group of people who has to apply their different talents, skills, knowledge etc to achieve a common goal. There are different function, roles and responsibilities that every team player has to have. The Mentor (Coach) has to monitor the team and ensure that most of these are manifest in every team member so as to play along and achieve the team’s targets and goals. Different individuals have residual talents which are just potentials but would never been harnessed if the right mentoring techniques are not applied in handling the team. These roles are not limited to the following:
Be Responsible When the opportunity arises, take up responsibilities that are outside the scope of your current role. Show people you are willing to work hard and learn more. When a task given to you does go wrong, whether or not the circumstances causing the failure were under your control, own it up. Never attempt to shift blame to another team member or to another team. Communicates constructively Every team needs people that can easily speak up and have their ideas clearly and directly expressed and at the same time have respect for others and the work of the team. That's what it means to communicate constructively. Such a team member does not shy away from making a point but makes it in the best way possible — in a positive, confident, and respectful manner. Listens actively Good listeners are essential for teams to function effectively. Teams need team players who can absorb, understand, and consider ideas and points of view from other people without debating and arguing every point. Such a team member can as well receive criticism without reacting defensively. Team members need the discipline to listen and then speak to achieve a meaningful dialogue. Visible results would always follow after an effective communication and problem solving. Functions as an active participant Good team players participates actively being always prepared for team activities and listen and speak up in discussions. They're fully engaged in the work of the team and do not sit passively on the sidelines. The Coach has to look out for this trait and develop it for effective impact on the teams’ output. Team members who function as active participants are initiative makers and they volunteer for assignments. Their whole approach is can-do: "What contribution can I make to help the team achieve success?" Committed to team agenda A good team player gives so much care about their work, the team, and the team's work. They show up every day with this care and commitment up front. They exhibit much effort and enthusiasm, and expect same from other members of the team. Solves Problems Problems are inevitable in daily team activities. Often times, teams are created to address particular problems. Good team players are willing to deal with all kinds of problems in a solutions-oriented manner. They're problem-solvers, not problem-dwellers, problem-blamers, problem-avoiders or problem makers. They are not fault finders and they don't put off dealing with issues, the way avoiders do. Team players get problems out in the open for discussion and then collaborate with others to find solutions and develop action plans. Treats others in a respectful and responsible manner.  Flexibility Change is a constant in life. “Good team players roll with the punches” adapting to every change. They seldom complain or get stressed out because something new is being ventured into. In addition, a flexible team member can consider different points of views and compromise when needed. He or she doesn't hold rigidly to a point of view and argue it to death, especially when the team needs to move forward to make a decision or get something done. Strong team players are firm in their thoughts yet open to what others have to offer. | Cooperates and pitches in to help Cooperation is the act of working with others and acting together to accomplish a job. Effective team players work this way by second nature. Good team players, despite differences they may have with other team members concerning style and perspective, figure out ways to work together to solve problems and get work done. They respond to requests for assistance and take the initiative to offer help. A team player should: • Give credit where it is due. And more importantly don't take credit for what is not your work. • Never hold back on a compliment. • Learn from others and their failures. It is imperative for sustained success that the team as a whole should not repeat the same mistake. • Synergize and pool resources in critical projects. Ego and seniority should never stop a team from working towards an efficient solution. • Offer to take up a shift that no one wants. When you display generosity and openness you will see it being returned by others. Demonstrates reliability Effective team players are always reliable in achieving their individual and team target. He or she follows through on assignments. Consistency is sine qua non, delivering on time, not some times. Open minded Good team players rarely hold information to themselves. They're willing to share information, knowledge, and experience. They take the initiative to keep other team members informed. Much of the communication within teams takes place informally. Beyond discussion at organized meetings, team members need to feel comfortable talking with one another and passing along important news and information day-to-day. Good team players are active in this informal sharing. They keep other team members in the loop with information and expertise that helps get the job done and prevents surprises. supportive manner Team players treat fellow team members with courtesy and consideration — not just some of the time but consistently. In addition, they show understanding and the appropriate support of other team members to help get the job done. They don't place conditions on when they'll provide assistance, when they'll choose to listen, and when they'll share information. Good team players also have a sense of humour and know how to have fun (and all teams can use a bit of both), but they don't have fun at someone else's expense. Quite simply, effective team players deal with other people in a professional manner. Team players who show commitment don't come in any particular style or personality. They be soft-spoken, but they aren't passive. They are concerned with what the team is doing and they contribute to its success without being coaxed. Team players with commitment look beyond their own piece of the work and care about the teams overall task. In the end, their commitment is about winning and seeing the team succeed, and knowing they have contributed to each success. Winning as a team is one of the great motivators of employee performance. Good team players have and show this motivation always. |
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