Knowing how to work as a team is essential to succeeding in your career. In addition to creating a more friendly environment where professionals can support each other, it ensures better results for the company and the development of everyone.
This is why this is a behavioral skill that is often observed during interviews, as it indicates a person who will be able to adapt more easily. For some, however, this aspect of the job can be a challenge.
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
Even with difficulties, professionals need to understand that teamwork can be improved, just like any skill. To do this, however, they need to be aware of their behavior and avoid certain attitudes. Here are some of them:
1 – Not communicating clearly
Communication is the basis of a healthy relationship and, even when dealing with sensitive issues, it is important to express yourself and, above all, to align yourself with your colleagues. A lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes.
Find out about the responsibilities of other employees, and make your activities clear to them as well.
2 – Ignoring other people’s opinions and ideas
Living with people with different personalities and backgrounds can create conflict, but this should not be an obstacle when it comes to working as a team. Disregarding what your colleagues suggest or even their work can demotivate the team and limit creativity. Know how to listen to other people and value what your colleagues are doing.
3 – Not taking responsibility
Mistakes happen, and one of the worst attitudes to take when you make a mistake is to blame others. In addition to creating an environment of distrust, it points to a character flaw that will make you look bad among your colleagues. In addition to damaging your career in the long run, it can also hinder your internal growth.
4 – Lack of collaboration
Isolating yourself from others and working alone will contribute to the lack of communication mentioned above. However, when work is done in a team, this will only generate noise and failures in the process. This way, no one will achieve their goals and everyone will be harmed.
Also, everyone’s experience can help each other, so talk to your colleagues to help them when you can and, if you need help, ask for it.
5 – Not respecting deadlines
It is very common for a team to have one person’s work depend on the work of another, so delaying deliveries can create a chain reaction, disrupting the progress of all tasks. Furthermore, it indicates a lack of organization and commitment on the part of the professional.
6 – Being negative or pessimistic
An analytical and realistic professional can see possible scenarios and even anticipate a problem. But this is not the same as maintaining a negative attitude, thinking that it will not be possible to complete a project or deliver it on time.
The advantage of being part of an aligned team is precisely that everyone can help and encourage each other to achieve results.
7 – Lack of flexibility
Changes are not easy, but knowing how to adapt is a necessity in today’s job market, which is constantly changing. Not being flexible and resisting these processes can hinder the development of the entire team, so try to understand the reasons for the changes and be open to adjustments and new approaches.
8 – Not giving constructive feedback
An environment where employees only criticize each other is unlikely to thrive. While it is important to offer negative feedback when necessary, these comments should be structured and well thought out before the conversation 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 certain failure or behavior.
9 – Not recognizing the work of others
Failure to recognize and value the efforts of colleagues can demotivate the team and prevent collaboration between those involved. Know how to celebrate achievements and thank them for a job well done.
10 – Lack of organization
In addition to affecting deadlines, a poorly organized person can lose files, fail to plan properly, forget dates or meetings, and this has a negative impact on everyone. Keep your tasks and documents well organized to facilitate teamwork .
11 – Monopolizing discussions
Maintaining good communication means knowing how to listen, not just talk. A person who monopolizes conversations will often find themselves without anyone to talk to, as colleagues feel exhausted and undervalued. Give everyone space to contribute.
12 – Not sharing important information
Keeping information that is crucial to the progress of the project can sabotage the performance of colleagues and harm the team. Relevant data and updates should be shared with everyone.
Improving these attitudes creates a friendlier work environment and also prepares professionals to occupy management positions. Learn about Team Management and Leadership and learn how to create an environment conducive to teamwork.