TEAM SPIRIT

From time to time, it’s very likely that we find ourselves working with a set of people with common goals as ours. This could be at work or in informal settings such as our residential environments. So, you see, it’s important that we learn to be enthusiastic team players. While a team could be a group of people working on a rural community water project, it could be you and your siblings planning a birthday party for your mom, or it could even be a small group of old course mates planning a reunion.

Are you a team player?
For a start, do your best to answer the following questions (using yes/no) and keep in mind the number of yeses you have. You do not have to share this with anyone ;).

1) Do you find it easy to communicate with others amicably?
2) Are you reliable (can everyone trust you when you say you’ll do something)?
3) Are you always positive about tasks ahead?
4) Are you flexible (are you willing to change your orientation on a subject matter if need be)?
5) Are you willing to accept criticism?
6) Are you supportive?
7) Do you share your knowledge willingly?
8) Are you tolerant?

TEAMS AND TEAM SPIRIT
Simply put, a team is a group of individuals working together to achieve a common goal.
Team spirit is the feeling of pride and loyalty that exists among the members of a team. It is a positive attitude and sense of belonging a member possesses that simply makes them want their team to excel.

Why are teams necessary?
They are because nobody knows it all and honestly, the best way to get the best results on a task or project is to pull from a variety of strengths and expertise.
Source: “trust me”

In a team, you may either be leading or following a leader. Either ways, you must play your part.
Here are some general tips to take note of:

1) Communicate: Learn to pass your message across in the way you intend to. Be honest. Always let your teammates know what is going on. If you are facing difficulties, ask for help. If you cannot meet up with a deadline, speak up on time instead of “ghosting” so that you do not drag the team back!
2) Be punctual: Always be on time. Let your 8 am be 8 am. It’s unfashionable to be the one everyone always waits for.
3) Be respectful: Treat everyone else the way you would like to be treated. Always use your words wisely for you cannot take back something you said.
4) Be humble: Remember it’s impossible for you to know it all. Do not look down on people. Most importantly, do not be credit thirsty. For instance, when something works out, do not go about announcing how it wouldn’t have been possible without your input.
5) Be willing to take corrections and accept criticism: We may hate to see it but we’re not always right. When your errors are pointed out, do take it as an opportunity to learn and do better.
6) Avoid backbiting and slandering other teammates: This may sound funny but gossiping gradually leads to formation of mini groups within a team and this impedes progress. If you have an issue with a team member, speak to them about it instead of wasting all that time making them look bad in front of others.
7) Pull your weight: If you’re on a team, be sure that you’re contributing positively. Play your part.

In addition, a team lead should:
8) Take charge: That’s why you are team lead. Basically, imagine you’re the captain of a ship. You do not want that ship to sink!
9) Be flexible and open minded: There are many ways to arrive at good results and it doesn’t always have to go your way. You should be ready to listen and sieve through the ideas from others.
10) Tell people WHAT to do not HOW to do it: Avoid micromanaging people (i.e., monitoring them every second of the day). Funny thing is it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll get the job done faster.
11) Lead by example: Sounds cliché but yes, people tend to watch your actions more than they listen to your words. Imagine preaching punctuality but you always come late. Eventually, everyone stops taking you seriously.
12) Delegate. Delegate. Delegate: If you like to be in control always, you may fall for the “oh I’ll just do it myself” trap but isn’t that taking on too much? Why not put reliable people in charge of tasks and hold those people accountable?

Finally, please remember that you may not know it all but you definitely have something valuable to add!