11). The most effective team members have experience dealing with the issues that will confront them as members of the team (Text, p.11). They can focus on the issues at hand, solving problems presented without getting derailed (Text, p.11). However, effective team members are not rigid; they are open to suggestions from other group members (Text, p.11). A good team member is also supportive. Rather than focusing on how jobs are broken-down in the group, a team member is willing to pitch in when help is needed and accepted help when it is needed and offered (Text, p.11). Effective team members are action-oriented; they are looking for results and willing to do work when work is required (Text, p.11). Finally, positive team members work better in groups than people with negative attitudes (Text, p.11). There are several tips for a person hoping to participate in an effective and efficient team. First, a team member must be willing to be open, both with their own thoughts and feelings and to the thoughts and feelings of others. They must trust...

A team member has to demonstrate support for other group members. Furthermore, a group member needs to be respectful of other people in the team. Most importantly, team members need to be effective communicators. In other words, they must be able to: explain their ideas, express their feelings, listen to others, ask questions for clarity, pay attention to non-verbal communication, initiate conversations, and reflect on the interactions and activities of the group (See generally Centre for Teaching Excellence, 2012). While these tips cannot ensure that the other group members are efficient or effective in their roles, it will ensure that the individual is doing her best to be an effective team member.
References

The Centre for Teaching Excellence. (2012). Teamwork skills: Being an effective group member. Retrieved from: http://cte.uwaterloo.ca/teaching_resources/tips/teamwork_skills.html

Last Name, First Initial. (Year of Publication). Textbook title. Place of Publication: Publisher.