A team player is a valuable asset to any organization. While a lot different from a leader, team players are equally important in helping driving the organization towards success. A leader can also be a team player if he keeps his dominating nature aside and becomes a part of the group he is working with. Here are 10 ways to become a better team player.

#Demonstrates reliability

You can count on a reliable team member who gets work done and does his fair share to work hard and meet commitments. He or she follows through on assignments. Consistency is key. You can count on him or her to deliver good performance all the time, not just some of the time.

#Communication

Teams need people who speak up and express their thoughts and ideas clearly, directly, honestly, and with respect for others and for the work of the team. That’s what it means to communicate constructively. Such a team member does not shy away from making a point but makes it in the best way possible — in a positive, confident, and respectful manner.

#Listen

A team player is only excellent at his role if he considers and respects the viewpoints and ideas of other people as well. He understands and tries to include his team members by listening to their opinion and taking it into account; after all he is part of a team.

#Sharing is caring

Likewise, he shares his opinions without trying to come up with a plan on his own and take credit for it. He keeps other team members informed at all times, instead of plotting away new plans in the corner trying to lower other members’ morale.

#Appreciate Others' Work Styles

One person may be good at facilitating communication; another likes to challenge the group's assumptions. The best teams will have a mix of these styles and members who appreciate each other's contributions.

"The really good team player, regardless of style, is somebody who can understand and appreciate and work with people whose style is different from theirs," Parker says.

#Delegate according to your strengths

It would be a waste to ask the most talented researcher to do the organizing and the most talented organizer to do the researching. By first assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each group member, you are able to delegate tasks to the members with the strongest skills in that area. Giving assignments according to the interests and strong points of your teammates will increase your chances of success and efficiency.

#Supports And Respects Others

Instead of shutting someone out or laughing at their ideas, an excellent team member knows how to respect his fellow team members. It is important to keep in mind that respect is only received when you give it to others. An ideal team player knows how to have fun, but he would never do it at the cost of someone else’s respect.

#Problem-Solving

While normally, a leader tries to take charge and solve everyone’s problems, many cannot ask him for help because of his reserved nature. A team player on the other hand can help solve all sorts of problems with no difficulty.

#Report On Your Work

If nobody knows your work is complete, does it have value? This is not a Zen koan: it is a practical question to consider! If managers or team members are waiting for you to complete a task, they need to be made aware. Report to those who need to know when you complete a task and advise them of any issues they need to know about in order to keep moving.

#Go the extra mile

Whether that means staying in the office after 5 p.m., or taking on more responsibility, your team relies on you doing your part and doing it well. Sometimes that means taking on more than you initially expected. Going the extra mile is not only one way to ensure the success of your project, but also an effective way to gain the respect of fellow co-workers.