Not sure how to work in a team? Don't worry- there are books, quotes, webinars, classes, and many more resources to help you with that. But first, do you know where
you fit? They say there is no "I" in team but there is a "me". What you bring to the table is part of that collaboration- that part that creates the environment and camaraderie.
Before I began work at Rapid City Public Libraries, even before my interview, I was asked to complete a personality test. This is becoming a common occurrence in businesses. After all, everyone can be taught how to do something but generally you can't change a personality. But what test do you take?
I can't tell you which test(s) is exactly correct. That is a matter of personal opinion. In the case of your library or place of employment, they might lean towards one that best represents their goals or mission statement. If you have the chance take a test or two, please do. Don't let it overwhelm you, look at it as a chance to step back and look at your personality traits. Now comes the part that every teammate has to learn:
- Being in a team is not something you completely prepare yourself for. Unless you have physically gone through every situation imaginable, you don't know how you will react- also, you don't know how other people will think or how they will react.
Don't misunderstand me. I don't mean that the books, classes, and everything else can't help you...they will to a certain point. After that you are left with: you, your teammates, and hopefully a chance to communicate. I learned in my first year that communication is not just talking and listening, but also taking a moment to consider what the other person is saying.
No matter how many "I feel" statements or thoughtful questions you ask, you won't get anywhere if you already built a wall around yourself. Open yourself up to hear what your teammate is trying to tell you. And they should do the same for you in return. Who knows, those uncomfortable/awkward moments might have just been a misunderstanding. Or a difference in definition. For example, I tell you I will call you soon. You thought I meant I would call you in the next couple hours but I meant I would call you within the next couple of days.
- Tip: If you're becoming frustrated at work, you waited too long to talk about it (the person or situation that frustrates you). As a part of U.S. culture, conflict is not something we are taught to relish. Conflict is mostly thought to be messy, personal, emotional, and unpleasant. It might be all those things and more, but it might also be a necessary evil. Remember, with conflict comes change- and that could be positive.
I personally learned that I should speak out when things are starting to get to me. An example is the theme book displays. I take great pride in filling them and feel validated when patrons check them out. Hey, I picked a good one! But when my teammates are too busy to fill it and I end up taking time out of my own projects to fill them, then I feel frustrated. To me it's not just a side project that I like, but good marketing sense. If half the grocery store is stocked, it doesn't look as appealing. So in my way of thinking, why would you purposely leave a large display half filled?
Do you know what I found out by speaking up and communicating with my co-worker? That some of them felt the same way. It is not efficient or effective to have a team where one person feels like the other members are not helping out. But what is shocking to know is...they don't know how you feel unless you tell them. Also, if you're bogged down with a lot of work to do, maybe someone can offer to help or offer a reasonable solution.
I will leave you with one final truth about teamwork- it's never finished. The projects might be completed, the group may get along wonderful, but life will happen and adjustments will need to be made. Teams need to have adaptability and work with change. But here's the good news, you're not alone in a team.
