WHERE THE INDIVIDUAL IS EVERYTHING!
 Anyone who's worked with a group or an organization has heard the old phrase, "There's no 'I' in team," as a motivation to work together and focus on the goals of the group. In its primary interpretation this is a good mantra to live by, but in this present day of entrepreneurship, new media businesses and self-ownership, a new perspective has developed concerning the 'individuals' role on a team. It is no longer the obscure employee, who is among ten people responsible for one particular department |
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project. Large corporations with management teams of 6 Vice-presidents,
7 Regional managers and 5 Directors are not the only entities on
the career landscape. Small businesses continue to proliferate and
their teams can consist of one or two people who manage everything
and contract the rest. What is important to notice is that with
the increase of small businesses, the individual is highlighted
and often amongst the greatest asset to the company and its team.
More responsibility falls on the shoulders of less people in small
businesses and the end result is the 'I' becomes a very important
part of the team. Individuals must work to develop themselves and
pull their assigned weight or else there may be no team and no company.
So do you make a good 'I?' |
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If you are currently part of a small team, are you the greatest asset you can be? Do you put the 'I' in team? With 18 years experience as a Software Project Manager, Naseem Mariam, lists '10 Traits of a Good Team Member.' Check it out and see if you're being all you can be for your team. 1. Excellent technical, professional competence Business
projects require professional skills. If it is a shorter project
(3 months) you should have a lot of task oriented, good technical
experts on board; however if the project team is large (more
than 8), the duration greater than 6 months then having a few
social oriented people on board would reduce the interpersonal-
communications strain from the project team. Effective
interpersonal communication is vital to the smooth functioning
of any task team. Communication skills -- listening, written
and oral, telephone, email -- are a must. Conflict handling,
negotiating skills are an added advantage. Trusts, supports,
and has genuine concern for other team members. Helpful and
cooperative with others. Shares
his knowledge and expertise freely with team members. Shares
openly, with honesty and integrity with others regarding personal
feelings, opinions, thoughts, and perceptions about problems
and conditions. Does not engage in one-upmanship. Gives of his
time, energy and heart to own and solve the problems that arise
during the course of the project. Has
an aura of authority around him. Gains the respect of every
team member. Respects his boss, the Top Management of the organization
and the customers’ managers. Consoles and reasons with
other team members and resolves complaints of other team members
with patience, understanding and empathy. Understands and is
committed to team objectives.. Polite,
courteous to everyone including the customers. Has real concern
and thinks of both short term and long term benefits from customer’s
viewpoint. Negotiates well with the customer and the company’s
Top Management to ensure less stress and strain for the team. Comfortable
with himself. Respects himself and will not become a sycophant
(insincere compliment giver, trying to get into boss’
good books insincerely). Positively charged, full of enthusiasm
and love for his work. Puts in an honest day’s work and
is willing to cheerfully put in a few extra hours whenever the
need arises. Encourages
feedback on own behavior Takes the necessary corrective and
preventive actions to ensure harmony, peace and joyful environment
for project execution. He
has a finger on the pulse of the teams’ feelings and concerns.
Helps to fix the conflicts, negotiates between conflicting parties
and negotiates a win/win ending. Is aware of what goes on around
him, is able to sense danger and steer the team members onto
happy solutions faster. Reliable,
dependable person. Always keeps his promises and commitments.
Informs customer and boss well in advance when things go wrong,
Discusses the issues and concerns and sets new commitments. Whatever
good qualities a person may possess, they are of no use to him
or to anyone else when he does not have integrity of character.
Integrity is being true to oneself, honesty is being true to
others. He should be trust worthy and trust others with his
eyes open. He is able to evaluate phoneys and insincere people
a mile away. _______ *Need Content? You may use this article in your newsletter or on your website. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated: send to info@mochaworksdesign.com.
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When is Negotiating Not Negotiating? 4 tips for improved success Here.
How to Create a One-Page Business Plan Here. View more informative articles for Start-ups, Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses.
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