Understanding how to work in a team is crucial for professional career growth. Apart from building a more positive platform for professionals, it also guarantees improved outcomes for the organization and growth of all individuals.
Hence, this is one of the behavioral skills that are usually taken into consideration in interviews since it shows an individual who will easily adjust. To others, though, this part of the work can prove difficult.
Whether due to being accustomed to competitive environments or not being encouraged by previous leaders, a professional may end up adopting attitudes that harm this good team relationship, affecting the organizational climate .
What Not to Do When Working in a Team
Despite challenges, experts have to realize that teamwork is a workable skill like any other. To achieve so, however, they have to pay attention to their conduct and refrain from some conduct. These are just a few examples:
1 – Failure to communicate clearly
Communication is the key to a good relationship, and even in the case of handling sensitive matters, it is essential to communicate and, most importantly, to be on the same page with your co-workers. Lack of communication might result in misunderstandings and errors.
Learn about the work of other workers, and let your activities be transparent to them too.
2 – Disregard for other people’s opinions and thoughts
Collaborating with others having varied personalities and backgrounds can lead to conflict, but this should not be a hindrance to collaboration. Ignoring what others are saying or even what they themselves do can discourage the team and hinder creativity. Listen to others and appreciate what they are doing.
3 – Not taking responsibility
Mistakes happen, and blaming others is one of the worst mindsets to have during a slip. Besides creating an environment of distrust, it points to a character flaw that will make the professional look bad among colleagues. Besides damaging their career in the long run, it can hinder their internal growth.
4 – Lack of collaboration
Doing things alone and isolating yourself from others will cause the absence of communication we mentioned. But if work is executed collaboratively, this will cause only noise and process failures. Nobody will get their desired outcomes, and everyone will be negatively affected.
Moreover, all your experiences can benefit others, so communicate with your colleagues to assist them when you can, and request assistance when you need it.
5 – Failure to meet deadlines
It’s highly likely that one team member’s job is waiting on the work of other members, and therefore delayed deliveries can be a chain reaction that hinders all the work progress. Additionally, it indicates failure in planning and dedication on the part of the team member.
6 – Being negative and pessimistic
An analytical realistic professional can foresee probable situations and even anticipate a problem. But that is different from having a pessimistic attitude thinking it will not be possible to deliver a project or meet deadlines.
The benefit of working as part of a cohesive team is that one can assist and spur one another to deliver results.
7 – Lack of flexibility
Change is not straightforward, but flexibility is a need in the current labor market that keeps evolving. Resistances and rigidity will hamper the growth of the whole team, so try to figure out why changes are being made and remain receptive to adjustments and new methods.
8 – Not giving constructive feedback
An environment where employees only criticize each other will hardly thrive. While it’s important to offer negative feedback when necessary, these comments should be structured and well thought out beforehand to avoid comments that demotivate colleagues.
Make your observations while thinking about ways to support the professional in their growth, suggesting changes that will help them deal with a particular failure or behavior.
9 – Not recognizing the work of others
Failing to recognize and appreciate your colleagues’ efforts can demotivate the team and hinder collaboration. Celebrate achievements and express gratitude for a job well done.
10 – Lack of organization
Besides affecting deadlines, a poorly organized person can lose files, fail to plan properly, and forget dates or meetings, all of which negatively impacts everyone. To make collaborating easier, keep your tasks and documents organized.
11 – Monopolizing discussions
Maintaining good communication means knowing how to listen, not just talk. Someone who monopolizes conversations will often find themselves without anyone to talk to, as colleagues feel exhausted and discredited. Give everyone space to contribute.
12 – Not sharing important information
Keeping information that’s crucial to project progress private can sabotage colleagues’ performance and harm the team. Relevant data and updates should be shared with everyone.
Improving these attitudes creates a more friendly work environment and also prepares professionals for management positions. Learn about Team Management and Leadership and learn how to create an environment conducive to teamwork.
