How to Work with Someone Who Isn’t a Team Player

Do you work with someone who isn’t a team player? This isn’t simply frustrating; it can affect your entire group’s performance. There are a few things you can do to try to encourage the person to think more about the team. Start by approaching your colleague with friendly questions, rather than accusations. You might ask: “What else is going on for you right now?” The roots of the person’s behavior may surprise you. It could be that they are dealing with a stressful situation at home that is leading to distraction at the office. Or they may be feeling work pressures that you are unaware of. Help them clarify their duties and deadlines so that they have a better understanding of what’s expected of them. You’ll often find that commitment to the team grows as a person’s confidence in their role increases.