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Every organization relies on effective teams to drive it toward success. But what does being a team player really mean? Yes, these individuals perform well within a team, but if we break that down, what components make someone an effective team player? Here are 10 qualities that can make for an outstanding team player in the workplace.

 

1. They are committed to the team

Committed team players give their time and energy to someone or something they believe in. However, genuine commitment is much more than that. Team players who are genuinely committed do so without any expectation of return, conditions, or rewards. There is no turning back and whatever the outcome, they support it 100%.

 

2. They are flexible 

We can’t always predict when changes are going to happen, much less prepare for them. That’s why flexibility is so important. When a team player is flexible, they typically are also versatile, resilient, and responsive to change – all while keeping calm and making sound decisions without unruly outbursts. Flexible team players understand and manage situations by looking at them from different perspectives. When asked, a flexible team player will consider how it will benefit the company, the team, or their career rather than thinking, “Really, more work?”

 

3. They are engaged

Simply doing your work isn’t always enough. It’s a good thing to get involved and be proactive, as long as you aren’t bothering people with questions to which you should know the answer. Great team players ask questions for clarity and understanding and contribute where they can. Collaboration is essential to the success of a team. Remember, “two heads are better than one.”

 

4. They are reliable and responsible

An excellent team player completes tasks in order of priority, not necessarily in order that they’re given. When they aren’t sure of what should take priority, they ask their manager. As a reliable and responsible team player, you will be able to manage your time effectively, be prepared for meetings, and be trusted to work on your own without constant supervision. Your manager and teammates will feel like they can rely on you for help and support whenever needed.

 

5. They actively listen

You are only a team player if you respectfully consider the viewpoints and ideas of other people as well. Active listening is harder than you think. When you hear someone saying something you don’t agree with, listen to understand, not answer. Consider what they’re saying and more importantly, why they believe that.

 

6. They communicate within their team

Transparency is key on a team, and good team players actively work to keep other team members informed. No one likes to be blind-sided. When team members share information and everyone is on the same page, it could be the difference between the success and failure of a project. Team members who are informed are more likely to trust you, stay engaged, and are more motivated to reciprocate.

 

7. They lend a helping hand

As a team, we are only as strong as our weakest link. Look for opportunities to help your team members grow. For example, if a member of your team is having trouble with a technology tool that is easy for you, offer to sit down with them and show them what you know. A word of caution: your passion may be confusing and come across as condescending to the other person. Remember to be genuine and respectful.

 

8. They are respectful

It is important to be self-aware of how you treat others. Respect is earned but can be lost in a moment’s notice. An ideal team player knows how to have fun but would never do it at someone else’s expense. You earn the respect of your co-workers a lot more quickly by expressing genuine interest in them rather than trying to make them interested in you.

 

9. They are problem-solvers

It is easy for everyone to point out problems; however, there is no reason why you can’t offer solutions yourself. Your teammates will appreciate your skills, which can also help you earn respect more quickly.

 

10. They recognize and acknowledge when they are wrong 

A good team player will back off an idea when it becomes clear it’s not the right path. Acknowledge what went wrong, or won’t work, and then focus on expectations moving forward. Don’t be a stubborn stick in the mud; rather, focus on what may or may not have gone wrong. Keep moving forward.

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What does a Mentor offer in Gracie's BTS-ARMY Fan Club?

 

Mentoring Services

1. Information. Mentors share their knowledge, experiences, and wisdom.

2. Contacts. Mentors provide valuable opportunities by facilitating academic, career, and personal contacts.

3. Challenges. Mentors stimulate curiosity and build confidence by presenting new ideas, opportunities, and challenges.

4. Support. Mentors encourage growth and achievement by providing an open and supportive environment.

5. Goal Setting. Mentors help Scholars discover talents and interests and define and attain their goals.

6. Advice. Mentors guide Scholars in reaching academic, career, and personal goals.

7. Role Models. By sharing stories of achievement with Scholars, Mentors can become role models.

 

 

How is Mentoring accomplished?

 

Getting Started

Introduce yourself and get to know each of your mentees. Mention personal, career, and education interests, disability and involvement with Entertainment, Lifestyle, technology, and sports.

Explore interests with mentees by asking questions, promoting discussion, and providing resources (especially those accessible on the Internet).

Encourage participation in the Fan Club activity events, and try to attend when possible. Mentor-mentee relationships benefit from face-to-face contact!

Remember that developing meaningful relationships takes time. Give yourself and your mentee a chance to get to know one another by actively participating in each other's lives.

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Staying Active

All Mentors are volunteers and we know that it takes a lot of time. The following are some guidelines to follow when considering whether you have the time and the willingness to be a Valuable Mentor.

Log on at least once per week and read and respond to email messages or facebook chat.

Respond to every personal message sent to you by the Fan Club participants or staff.

Send email messages to the entire message box lists at least once every four weeks.

Send a greeting to new Fan Club participants.

Communicate with other Mentors; act as a resource when possible.

Attend Fan Club events whenever possible and encourage other Fan Club participants to attend events.

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Keeping Our Young People Safe

The Internet is a sea filled with adventure. By sailing the waters we can explore the world, unlock mysteries, and meet new people. But like any sea it has dangerous elements as well. Safety is an important issue for anyone using the Internet but even more so for minors. It is important that we teach our young people how to identify potential danger and avoid it.

BTS Fan Club Mentorship promotes group mentoring, where groups of Mentors and mentees discuss ideas and a Fan Club staff member is always part of the discussion. Participants are told not to give out personal information to people they do not already know and not to respond to electronic messages that they receive from anyone if they are not comfortable with the content. They should immediately report offensive or troubling email messages to their parents and Fan Club staff.

For more information about the safety of minors on the Internet we suggest you read the publication Child Safety on the Information Highway by Lawrence J. Magid, 1998, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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Key Electronic Resources

To contact staff, request electronic copies of Fan Club NEWS, request publications, or ask questions about the program, send email to the Staffs.

Fan Club Mentors can communicate with each other through email.

The entire group of Fan Club Mentors, and staff can be reached by email.

To discuss issues pertaining to individuals and their pursuit of entertainment, lifestyle, technology and sports and careers, send messages to Fan Club.

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Remember Your Netiquette

Be respectful of your mentees and their communication and personality style. Ask if there is a way to accommodate them in the way you communicate.

Avoid covering several topics in one message. Instead, send several messages so the receiver can respond to each topic separately.

Use mixed upper and lower case letters. Avoid using control characters or special keys.

Begin text with the real name of the person to whom you're writing and end the text of your message with your real name.

Include all pertinent parts of the email message to which you are replying.

Do not use words others might find offensive and avoid personal attacks or name-calling.

Do not participate in conversations that would not be acceptable to the parents of your mentee or Fan Club staff. Remember that some Fan Club participants are minors!

Do not engage in conversations that you are not comfortable with. Immediately report offensive or troubling email messages that you receive to the Fan Club Founder.

Remember that an email message is easy for recipients to forward to others and, therefore, is not appropriate for very personal messages-it's more like a post card than a sealed letter.

Take advantage of the spell check feature.

Review what you've written BEFORE you send it

The challenge and fun of mentoring is developing your own personal style for sharing the special strengths and skills you have to offer.

Following these few suggestions for getting started and staying active as a Valuable Mentor. Fan Club staff welcome your ideas for suggestions to pass on to future Mentors. Happy Mentoring!