by Philip Lop

Created on: August 07, 2011   Last Updated: December 15, 2011

When it comes to performance and development reviews, one of the most common comments found relates to an individual's ability to work as a team player. Team skills are prized highly by employers, for employees at every level, and being able to demonstrate this capability is largely critical to career advancement.

Everybody has an idea of what teamwork looks and feels like.

Teamwork can be defined as, “the process of working collaboratively with a group of people in order to achieve a goal”. On that basis, what does a team player look like?

Communicate in a consistent and honest manner

Team players willingly and capably communicate with their team members. That works on a personal level and a professional level, ensuring that they let their peers know about things that could affect their work and simply passing the time of day to develop a social rapport. Team players communicate openly and honestly with all their colleagues. They are reliable, trustworthy and sincere and they are able to adapt their style according to the person they are communicating with. Crucially, team players actively listen to their co-workers, instead of just talking at them.

Demonstrate commitment to shared goals

Team players 'own' business processes. They are committed to the effectiveness of those processes and understand that they form part of a bigger picture. They are willing to adapt to support their peers and can see how the work that they undertake can impact on their team mates. They don't make decisions that could affect their team mates without first consulting them and they look for opportunities to improve and grow the team's capability. They aren't interested in ensuring that they undertake tasks effectively, without regard to anyone else's workload. Team players are committed to the quality of a business process, and how they can work with others to achieve that.

Avoid individual agendas

Team players understand that despite the social and political issues that may arise at work, the workplace is much more effective and enjoyable if everybody works to the same agenda. Team players share their successes and recognize the contributions of others. They see no merit in taking the credit for somebody else's work, because what is important is that everybody is successful. Team players don't manipulate people or situations to their own ends. They work openly and honestly and support their peers to achieve a single objective.

Manage conflict capably

Team players

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