There is no “I” in team, and research shows there hasn’t been one for decades. Teamwork and the ability to succeed in a team environment – for the betterment of the team – are not new concepts. The skillset continues to be called on by managers and business leaders, and through the years, it has become a fundamental value of employees across all industries.
Recognizing how important teamwork is to collaboration and communication, especially in requirements development, we revisit John Maxwell’s resource from 2006, the 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player. In it, Maxwell asserts that teams win when they have good players, and on collaborative teams, each member has a talent that strengthens the whole team.
Here, we revisit those 17 characteristics, recognizing that their importance never goes out of style.
1. Adaptable. Good team members are able to work with a variety of groups, from stakeholders to developers. They are flexible, open to different mindsets, and able to transfer their knowledge to new groups and endeavors.
2. Collaborative. Good team members see others as co-workers, not as competitors. They focus on the group and celebrate collective victories.
3. Committed. Teams are successful when they have members who are dedicated and believe in the value of their work. Good team members increase their level of commitment when they face a challenging task: The more difficult the problem, the less likely they are to give up.
4. Communicative. Communication is essential to team-building. Good team members communicate candidly and directly. When a problem arises, they resolve it promptly.
5. Competent. Good team members make a commitment to excellent performance. They strive to do exceptional work together while also raising their individual standards.
6. Dependable. Teams operate well when members meet their responsibilities, show good judgment, and contribute steadily. Consistency helps to build trust among team members.
7. Disciplined. Quality team members have the ability to do the things life demands of them — regardless of whether they like it. These team members practice discipline in their thinking, feelings, and actions.
8. Enlarging. Maxwell cites Hall of Fame basketball player Bill Russell who measured his personal success in any game by how much he encouraged his teammates to excel. Good team members encourage others to move ahead.
9. Enthusiastic. Enthusiasm makes good team members and it is contagious. Enthusiastic team members add to the productivity and success of the team.
10. Intentional. Says Maxwell, successful people define their priorities based on their long-term goals. Having a sense of purpose makes one conscious of time and its value.
11. Mission-Conscious. Good team members share the same mission as the rest of the team. Everyone follows the leader’s direction and puts the goals of the team first.
12. Prepared. To play effectively on a team, good team members are prepared based on assignments and working conditions. Good team members stay informed about changes, have the required materials, and are ready to go forward.
13. Relational. Solid relationships among team members are imperative to success. Good team members build strong personal bonds through respect, trust, and shared experiences.
14. Self-Improving. Just like business analysis, self-improvement requires analysis of one’s current situation, assessment, and contemplation. Good team members have a willingness to take advantage of all opportunities to learn new things and improve their knowledge and environments.
15. Selfless. Good team members put others first. They are generous and loyal, and they avoid office politics.
16. Solution-Oriented. How one handles problems can determine his or her success. Maxwell explains that refocusing thinking and persevering to find a solution builds character.
17. Tenacious. Good team players don’t give up. Even if one lacks talent, he or she can succeed through persistence because success often depends on willpower over luck or destiny.
Good teamwork and quality team players can be fostered with Enfocus Requirements Suite™. This SAAS business analysis solution is built for dynamic collaboration that promotes teamwork and successful outcomes.
[cta id=”7436″]