The ability to work well in teams is a skill set on its own.
However, several related traits correlate with good teamwork and often make
someone a good candidate for a position that requires teamwork This is often
critical in small businesses, as employees are more connected in their roles
and work closely together in operating the business.
Listening Skills
The use of teams in the workplace is intended to foster
sharing and debate about ideas and alternative solutions. Strong listening
skills help an employee perform better by showing support of others when they
speak, along with better understanding the ideas they share. This improves team
chemistry. Good listening skills are sometimes an afterthought compared to the
ability to share ideas, but are equally important.
Persuasion
While listening to the ideas of other team members, a
knowledgeable team member must often use his skills of persuasion to convince
others to go along with his suggestion. Teams often use different approaches to
come to agreements, but in certain situations, the team member with the best
experience in a given situation needs to step up and sell that experience and
point of view to ultimately bring out the best solution.
Accountability
Responsibility and accountability are closely related traits
that are critical to teamwork. Teams often distribute tasks to different team
members. To achieve success, it is important that each team member accept
accountability and complete his duties in a timely fashion. Along with being
accountable for task completion, the skill of accountability means that you
acknowledge and take responsibility for mistakes.
Cooperation
Cooperation is a general skill that encompasses a helpful
nature and willingness to participate actively within the team. Work teams
succeed only when all members are fully engaged in sharing ideas and performing
tasks.
