Professional Employee Characteristics

There is no ladder an employee cannot climb with the right attributes. The two most important professional attributes are adaptability and self-motivation. 

First, a professional must have an ability to adapt. In a recent Human Resource study, about 60 percent of employers reported that adaptability/flexibility is currently much more important in their career fields than in years past (Benedict, 2008). The world of work is always evolving so employers value those who can adapt to changing circumstances and environments.

In the rapidly moving workforce it is also useful to be a self-motivator. First, individuals who can self-motivate have more successful attitudes. “Being self-motivated is about doing your job well because you want to and not simply because it pays your wages.” (Self-motivation, 2014). This kind of attitude is looked upon favorably by managers and often in time rewarded with promotions and raises. Second, self-motivators achieve more. These individuals go beyond set expectations and the consequence is further learning and growth.

As is apparent, those who obtain and utilize these skills become the highest caliber professionals. It is extremely wise for any employee to develop adaptability and self-motivation skills. It doesn’t matter where you enter a workforce, if these skills are present, an employee can achieve almost anything.

References

Benedict, A. (2008). Critical Skills Needs and Resources for the Changing Wrokforce. Wall Street Journal .

Self-motivation. (2014). Retrieved March 05, 2014, from The Big Choice: http://www.thebigchoice.com/work-skills/Self_Motivation.html

Team Effectiveness Continued

The key to team effectiveness is good communication. First, feedback and openness without reprimand should always be encouraged in team settings. Second, people in a team must be understanding listeners and be willing to give their fellow team members the benefit of the doubt. Third, overly critical team leaders are detrimental to a team. “Poor team leaders cannot bring themselves to see that they may be in the wrong and cannot admit their faults” (Patterson, 2010). When team members feel comfortable contributing, then the team will be more effective as a whole.

It is also important to recognize that each of the team members will have diverse strengths and weaknesses. For example, one team member may be shy in meetings and discussions because he or she may be more inclined to execute the specific tasks. This trait of shyness could easily be misinterpreted as a lack of concern from that group member. An effective team needs to identify differences and use them to the betterment of the team in reaching goals. By letting members function in their respective areas of strength, most of the time a team's ability to fulfill its needs should be maximized (Teal, 2009).

References

Patterson, M. (2010, 9 02). 7 Tips for Developing an Effective Team. Retrieved 2 19, 2014, from Bizniks: http://biznik.com/articles/7-tips-for-developing-an-effective-team

Teal, A. (2009, 8 20). Business Guide: 7 Tips to Improve the Effectiveness of a Team. Retrieved 2 19, 2014, from Yahoo voices: http://voices.yahoo.com/business-guide-7-tips-improve-effectiveness-4068399.html?cat=3

Tips for Team Effectiveness

The key to team effectiveness is good communication. It's important to cultivate an environment where team members feel they can give input. Encourage feedback and openness without reprimand (Patterson, 2010). When Team members feel comfortable contributing then the team will be more effective as a whole. It is also important to recognize that each of the team members will have diverse strengths and weaknesses. An effective team needs to identify these and use them to the betterment of the team in reaching goals. By letting members function in their respective areas of strength most of the time, a team's ability to fulfill its needs should be maximized (Teal, 2009).

Works Cited

Patterson, M. (2010, 9 02). 7 Tips for Developing an Effective Team. Retrieved 2 19, 2014, from Bizniks: http://biznik.com/articles/7-tips-for-developing-an-effective-team

Teal, A. (2009, 8 20). Business Guide: 7 Tips to Improve the Effectiveness of a Team. Retrieved 2 19, 2014, from Yahoo voices: http://voices.yahoo.com/business-guide-7-tips-improve-effectiveness-4068399.html?cat=3