The hospitality industry is all about working together to ensure the guest has the best possible experience: each team member does his/her part of the job. Across the many departments in a hotel, the room has to be clean and neat (Housekeeping), the meals prepared and served well (Food and Beverage) and the daily interaction with customers (Front Desk) needs to meet or exceed customer expectations. The team you work with every day can accomplish more than any one individual could on his/her own.

• Teams work better when everyone understands how to participate in a positive way. If you show you can work well with others, it can make a big impact on your career. What can you do to become a better team player?
• Know your own strengths. What are you great at doing? Find a role within your team where you can really excel. It will make you a better contributor to the overall result.
• Understand and work toward the group’s goal. Sharing a sense of purpose and common goals makes each of you more focused on meeting or exceeding expectations.
• Communicate clearly. Be sure to share information in a direct way that doesn’t leave your team members unsure of what you’re planning or doing. If you’ve got an alternative idea, share it. If you think someone has a great idea, support them.
• Be flexible. In a group setting, things change. You may have to alter the plan, work with different people or do a different task. Be willing to remain positive and don’t complain.
• Support others on your team. Be willing to collaborate and give feedback when needed.  Do it in a positive, non-judgmental way that makes a good impression on the group.
• Don’t always “cherry-pick” the tasks. It’s tempting, but don’t always choose the easier job or the one that has the best benefits. Accept what’s offered and do your best, It will pay off in the long run with the team and the boss.
• Step up and help others. It may not be your job, but help out when and where you can. Being willing to go above and beyond makes an impression on everyone.
• Be reliable. Always do what you say you’re going to do. Your team needs to be able to rely on you to get your job done, on time.
• Be organized. If this isn’t your strong suit, figure out a way to improve your skills. Being organized is essential to getting your job done right and on time.
• Don’t be a gossip or backstabber. When you work with the same people every day, familiarity can breed some conflict. Never repeat anything you aren’t prepared to admit to saying.
• Actively listen. It’s more than just “hearing” –  you need to refrain from interrupting and thinking ahead to what you want to say. Listen and consider what you are hearing and understand why they are saying it.
• Be a problem-solver. Offer solutions when you have an idea. Don’t just sit silently by… if you have a resource or experience with a particular matter, speak up and share it. It may make everyone’s job easier.
• Admit when you’re wrong. Being stubborn and difficult when you’ve made a mistake doesn’t help solve a problem or improve the situation. Back off and admit it when you’ve taken the wrong path.

It’s important to remember that working in teams is all about working with people. Work on your interpersonal skills and be open to feedback. Be friendly and show respect for others. Becoming a better team player is as simple as being a good person to work with.