Teamworking skills are a key component in any well-balanced emotional intelligence. They enable you to build stronger connections and get more done.

High performing teams are productive teams. If you are working in any professional environment, you will be working in a team at some point.

Effective teamworking rarely happens by magic. The skills are learnable, and you should learn them. Even if it is outside your comfort zone, your EQ levels will grow when you engage.

Here are five top tips to help you shine as a team player:

Tip 1 Don't be a complainer or a blamer

Although positivity is powerful there is a stronger force which is all too easy to manifest. Negativity is like rust; it never sleeps. It spreads, often unseen, and weakens structures right to the point of failure. Don't be that person. Radiate positivity and confidence and you will draw people to you.

Tip 2 Know your role and the big goal

Knowing your role and how it fits into the context of the team goal helps get things done. Do your bit and others can do their bits. When all the bits contribute to the team goal, that directs full power at achieving that team goal. That's how a team gets great results.

Tip 3 Be flexible and willing to help

Sometimes there is a need to do work outside your role for the good of the team. Be prepared to be flexible when requested to be. Don't let anyone take advantage of you but always be willing to "go the extra mile" for the team when needed.

Tip 4 Be a safe pair of hands and always meet your deadlines

Trust is a key component of any relationship. Doing what you do well and always meeting your deadlines builds trust. When your teammates trust you, they can do their thing with full focus. When they do their thing, you can trust them and do your thing with full focus. A virtuous circle. That's how high-performance work gets done.

Tip 5 Motivate others and always celebrate team success

When the team wins, you win. If everyone plays their part, the team does well, and everyone wins. The motto of Dumas' The Three Musketeers was, "One for all and all for one." A motto any great team player should adopt.

There are many more elements to being an effective team worker. Make developing your teamworking skill a key part of your EQ journey.

Like life, teamworking is not a spectator sport. Get involved!

All the best to you and yours

Andrew D Pope