HOW TO DEFINE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR TEAM MEMBERS
The importance of being a team player couldn’t be stressed any further. Given the gravity of its value to the success of teams, what might not be as obvious is what role a person should play when they are assigned to a team. Here is a few tips you need to know when trying to fit in so that you can maximise your time and effort:
1. UNDERSTAND YOUR TEAMS PURPOSE
As mentioned in the book ‘Tipping Sacred Cows’, teams should be temporary. Good teams are only put together for a specific purpose, and great leaders will regularly inform and remind the team of their purpose. By learning the objectives of the team, it will give you a clear picture of what deliverables is expected of each team member. To take it one step further, request for the team’s calendar from an existing team member so that you can get a better understanding of their daily, weekly and monthly targets.
2. LEARN THE ROLES OF OTHERS
This step is important to avoid a duplication of roles. Learn what other people are already required to do before you give your contribution. We all aspire to leadership positions, but if you are joining a pre-existing team that already has a leader, you should be respectful towards that person’s role. Through time and commitment, you will get your chance to lead you own team.
3. KNOW YOUR OWN STRENGTHS
Take some time and understand what skill set you possess. The best teams have a balance of people who are able to lean on each other’s strengths and produce the best results. Look for way where you can apply your skills across a multitude of team functions. For example, if you have an aptitude for writing, even if it isn’t in your job description, you can use those skills and assist the team when it comes to drafting proposals or important emails. You will be surprised how fidgety some people might get when it comes to asking for help.
4. SPEAK TO YOUR MANAGER
The easiest method would be to speak to the leader in your team and find out directly what is expected of you and what should your contribution be because most likely if they’re accepting you into the team, they would already have your job scope in line and ready for you to execute them.