The world has changed.
What made an effective employee yesterday may be irrelevant today.
As the workplace shifts and technologies continue to advance at breakneck speeds, it’s not easy to understand essential qualities for today’s workplace.
Traditional teamwork skills come into play, but these qualities must withstand the demands of our more fluid, digital modern environment.
In this article, we’ll give you a clear look at the qualities of a good team member.
Quick Summary:
- For remote and hybrid teams to succeed, employees need to work together effectively.
- Some strong qualities of a good team member include openness to change, mastering digital communication, and self-discipline in a remote work environment,
- Our list of qualities focuses specifically on characteristics that align with and support modern and hybrid work environments.
- When team members are inclusive, open-minded, flexible, and committed, teams can thrive.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
What Are the Qualities of a Good Team Member?
A team player is someone who excels in their communication skills, adaptability, and work ethic. In today’s era, they’re also able to function effectively both in-person and remotely.
These vital team members help organizations overcome hybrid challenges, such as:
- Maintaining cohesion
- Providing effective communication
- Fostering a shared culture
Here are 12 qualities that make a good team member in the modern workplace:
#1. They’re Excellent with Digital Communication
Mastery of digital communication is first on this list for a reason. That’s because, without it, all of the other qualities here are undermined.
But excellent digital communication goes beyond just technical know-how. The ideal team players communicate ideas with clarity and an appropriate tone. And in a hybrid environment, they make sure their messages are well-received. They compensate for fewer nonverbal cues.
Good team members use their emotional intelligence to connect with others regardless of the setting. And they do so by actively listening to their team.
These skills are good for the team, as research indicates that they drive employee well-being and organizational productivity.
#2. They’re Agile to Change
The modern team player thrives on adaptability. The work environment is rapidly evolving, and these individuals can adjust on the fly.
For them, changes in technology and work dynamics aren’t seen as hurdles. They’re simply another opportunity to grow and innovate.
This agile mindset is about proactively learning and then integrating new tools and methods into daily work. Stagnation is its enemy.
Whether your customers’ needs change or the market does, good team members anticipate the new direction and set themselves up for smooth transitions.
#3. They’re Skillful with Virtual Collaboration
Good team members collaborate online with skill and ease. They understand:
- Scheduling across time zones
- Equal participation in virtual meetings
- Asynchronous work
- How to strengthen their relationships
These remote collaborators can make the virtual setting feel as natural and productive as an in-person environment. When they use collaboration platforms, it’s not just to complete the work; it’s also to co-create an environment where understanding is shared and contributions have synergy.
#4. They’re Innovative at Problem-Solving
Innovative problem-solvers are a vital asset to remote and hybrid environments.
They can work around technology glitches, and they take the initiative to find the resources they need.
They might even use digital tools in novel ways or bring unconventional strategies to a stalled project.Strong team players have a mindset that doesn’t freeze when problems arise.
They know there’s no place for panic. They kick into gear to solve the problem and put the team in a better place than it was before.
#5. They’re Self-Disciplined in Remote Work
In remote work, the boss isn’t looking over your shoulder. Discipline has to come from within.
It’s not just about meeting deadlines. A good team member creates their own structured, distraction-free environment.
They also:
- Manage their time
- Set realistic goals
- Create workflows that maximize productivity
Whether they’re being supervised or not, they maintain professional integrity and work ethic.
They can evaluate themselves and keep track of benchmarks and team expectations. This means no one has to pick up their slack because they excel at time management — and that leads to better trust and reliability throughout the team.
These employees are vital when you’re managing a hybrid team.
#6. They’re Resilient to Stress
Stress is a big problem in the working world. According to the American Psychological Association, over 77% of workers report having experienced work-related stress in the last month.
Resilience in the face of that stress, then, becomes a crucial quality.
Hybrid environments have specific impacts on the following:
- The time spent on technology
- Relationships with coworkers
- The blurring of work-life boundaries
Strong team members keep stress in check and deploy effective strategies for their mental health. They take structured breaks and seek support when they need it. They might also take up a supportive practice, like mindfulness or yoga. And their positive, balanced demeanor is infectious.
#7. They’re Inclusive of Diversity
Excellent team players know the strength that diversity brings. As such, they actively seek to understand and respect differences in culture and background.
They acknowledge other cultures’ festivals and holidays. These things make them a great asset in global and multicultural teams where there might be also generational differences.
In virtual meetings, they seek to create inclusivity. The ways they communicate and the language they choose reflect this inclusive atmosphere in all interactions.
And they don’t do these things just because they’re tolerant. They know that a diverse workforce is enriching to any company.
#8. They’re Skillful in Resolving Conflicts
Good team members know how to diffuse an argument. They can de-escalate conflicts and bring stability to challenging situations.
When a problem pops up, they proactively and tactfully mediate.
In a hybrid team, they might initiate a video conference for a personal approach. And they establish clear boundaries on respectful vs disrespectful communication.
A good team member’s skills in active listening and mediation give all parties a space to be heard and understood. And they monitor themselves, knowing that many types of conflict can be prevented from even happening in the first place.
#9. They’re Open to Growth
No one’s perfect — and great staff doesn’t try to be. They’re strong and confident but also humble.
So, if they make a mistake, they own it. They work hard to make it right and treat it as a learning experience.
This humility goes hand in hand with the ability to receive feedback.
A good team member is open to new ideas and constructive criticism. They set goals for personal development based on team feedback. They actively grow their skills through courses, training programs, and independent learning.
#10. They’re Proactive With Tasks and Projects
Good team members don’t wait for instructions. They see what needs to be done and do it.
They’re always a step ahead, identifying tasks that need attention or opportunities for improvement.
And when it comes to project management, they don’t need constant oversight. They’re able to plan, execute, and follow up on their own accord.
All these things keep projects on track and motivate other team members to follow suit.
#11. They’re Balanced Between Work and Life
Well-balanced team members bring their best selves to their organization.
When it comes to work hours, they’re fully devoted. However, they establish clear boundaries when those work hours are done.
They understand the clear research that overworking leads to burnout and ineffectiveness. So, outside of work, they relax and engage in hobbies to recharge.
And in a hybrid environment, they create a clear working space and schedule. This helps them maintain a distinction between their work and personal environments.
#12. They’re Committed to the Team
Narcissism isn’t a good team quality. While a high-quality team member takes care of themselves and their personal goals, they’re also loyal to their teammates.
They identify themselves as part of a team, and they work hard to achieve mutual benefit. They know that success isn’t a solo affair.
So, they place the team’s objectives ahead of their personal agenda.
Where appropriate, they share resources and knowledge to benefit the entire team. They help out where they can, and they acknowledge their colleagues’ contributions.
OfficeRnD Knows the Ingredients of a Good Team
Being effective in today’s world means carrying many of the qualities of a good team member simultaneously.
But Rome wasn’t built in a day. So, start small. Pick one or two qualities to work on, then come back for future inspiration.
Here at OfficeRnD, we know what’s required to make hybrid teams work. That’s because we do it every day.
If you need software that can help transition you to hybrid work or remove some of the obstacles to a high-functioning hybrid operation, OfficeRnD Hybrid is a powerful solution.
Whether it’s desk or meeting room booking, an improved workplace experience, or something advanced workplace analytics, we’ve got you covered.
Book a live demo to talk to our workplace experts today. You can also start for free with OfficeRnD Hybrid and experience its benefits.
FAQ
What Are the Strengths of a Team?
A team’s strength lies in its diversity. That includes its skills, perspectives, and problem-solving approaches.
Effective teams combine these diverse assets to create a culture of innovation and resilience.
How Do You Motivate a Team Member?
Motivating a team member starts with understanding their personal goals. Once you know what matters to them, align those things with team objectives.
Recognition, constructive feedback, and growth opportunities are tools to help ensure each team member feels valued.
What Is the Strongest Attribute of a Great Employee?
In today’s world, few traits are more important than adaptability.
A great employee not only adjusts to new situations and challenges but is also constantly learning and growing, both personally and professionally.
What are the Qualities of a Good Team Player?
Good team players demonstrate excellent communication skills, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset. They show commitment, reliability, and the ability to constructively resolve conflicts.
What are the Qualities of a Leader?
A leader possesses strong communication skills, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. They demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a vision for the future.
What are the Characteristics of a Successful Team and Team Members?
A successful team exhibits clear communication, defined roles, mutual respect, and a shared vision. Team members are adaptable, reliable, and possess strong collaboration and problem-solving skills.
