There is no “I” in team, and if anyone else has anything to say about it, there aren’t any weak links in "team" either.

For any company to be successful, all of its members must work in sync to accomplish tasks in the most efficient fashion. Teamwork enables businesses to reach goals on time and generate the best ideas due to collective brainstorming and checks and balances. One of the most critical steps in becoming a successful team member is being able to recognize your weaknesses and the things you can improve upon. Take the following steps from <a href="http://www.dalecarnegie.com/">Dale Carnegie</a> to learn how you can put an “I” in “team” and ultimately help build a better team by doing so.

<strong>1.     </strong><strong>Be a Busy Bee</strong>

Taking the initiative goes a long way when it comes to business. When there is a lot of work to be completed, it often takes a lot of time to delegate initial tasks to individual team members. If the project seems overwhelming to you, the project leader feels the same way. Think of ideas to alleviate some of the stress off of the project leader and dive in. Waiting around wastes valuable time. Make something happen! Being a do-er is an admirable characteristic and exemplifies <a href="http://www.dalecarnegie.com/events/the_leadership_advantage/">effective leadership</a> that is essential to motivating the team.

<strong>2.     </strong><strong>Debbie Downer Isn’t Invited</strong>

We have all worked with that person who can bring the entire morale of the company down in 30 seconds or less. To ensure that you do not become a member of the Downer family remember that you have to learn to cooperate with the inevitable. Every business and team member will face inevitable issues like staffing challenges, information errors, technical problems, weather trouble, and more. Many things cannot be changed and furthermore, once issues occur, having a negative attitude will not turn back the hands of time and make things different or magically fixed. Be a great team member by accepting issues and dealing with them in a timely, positive manner.

<strong>3.     </strong><strong>Turn Obstacles Into Stepping Stones</strong>
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<p align="left"> “Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”–Dale Carnegie</p>
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As perfect as many of the most profitable companies in the world may seem, no one truly has it all figured out. Every company can benefit from new and innovative ideas for creating better organizational skills, more efficient processes, and better relationships. Take setbacks and challenges and improve upon them. This is the only way a business can grow and progress. Having the mindset that obstacles are only in place to create ways to overcome them will improve your company’s chances for success dramatically.

<strong>4.     </strong><strong>Hard Work Pays Off</strong>

When a team is not successful everyone feels the stress and worry of the failure. Do not be the reason your team fails. Take pride in everything you do. Give all tasks 150% and do not rest on the idea that someone else will pick up the slack.

<strong>5.     </strong><strong>A Cluttered Workspace Leads To Cluttered Work</strong>

Keeping your entire workspace clean will not only help you stay organized, but will also relieve stress by helping to clear your mind. Many people share workspaces, making it even more imperative that you keep your area clean. Also, potential clients may see your workspace at any given time. You want to always give the best impression. A cluttered, disorganized workspace throws off the balance of the entire office and ultimately slows you down.

<strong>Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is the first step to self-improvement and ultimately becoming a better team member.</strong> If every team member does a tiny bit of work on themselves, your entire team will quickly see a transformation and shift toward a more efficient, successful company overall.

Check back next week for How to Be a Great Team Member Part 2!

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