The Traits That Help Teams Thrive and Reach High Performance
In a previous article (which is the most read on our website), we explored the types of people who struggle to work well in teams. Those who resist collaboration, lack self-awareness, or undermine trust. But it has left the question open as to what makes a great team player.
So, to help you benchmark against what a great team player looks like, we have pulled together a simple set of characteristics to explore with your team. What qualities help a team thrive and reach high performance? What should I look for when dynamics shift and we are not where we need to be as a team?
Based on our work with leadership teams and the insights from our leadership development work, here are the key characteristics to look for in a team player who will help a team thrive:
1. Self-Aware and Reflective
Great team players understand their own strengths, weaknesses, and emotional triggers. They’re willing to reflect, take feedback, and grow. This self-awareness helps them manage their impact on others and show up with the right intention.
They ask: “How am I contributing to the team dynamic?” rather than “What’s wrong with everyone else?”
2. Emotionally Intelligent
They can read the room, empathise with others, and respond rather than react. Emotional intelligence allows them to navigate conflict, build trust, and support others through change.
They listen to understand and support, not just to reply.
3. Purpose-Driven and Values-Led
High-performing teams are often united by a shared purpose. Great team players connect their personal values to the team’s mission, which fuels intrinsic motivation and commitment.
They care about the “why” as much as the “what.”
4. Open-Minded and Curious
They’re willing to explore new ideas, challenge their own biases and assumptions, and learn from others. They’re not striving to be the smartest person in the room. They want the team to be smarter together.
They ask questions like: “What haven’t we considered yet?” and “What do other people think?”
5. Respectful and Inclusive
They encourage and value diverse perspectives and create space for others to contribute. They don’t dominate conversations or dismiss quieter voices. Instead, they help everyone feel seen and heard.
They know that psychological safety is the foundation of high performance.
6. Accountable and Reliable
They do what they say they’ll do. They take ownership of their role and responsibilities and follow through. When mistakes happen, they own them and learn from them. When they are struggling, they speak up and get the help they need.
They build trust through effort and consistency, not perfection.
7. Collaborative and Generous
They share knowledge, support others, and celebrate team wins. They’re not in it for personal glory and having their own ego stroked. They often go the extra mile to support the team’s success.
They ask: “How can I help?”
8. Adaptable and Resilient
Great team players can flex with change, bounce back from setbacks, and stay grounded under pressure. They help the team stay steady when things get tough.
They bring calm, not chaos.
Why It Matters
Teams don’t become high-performing by accident. It takes intentional effort, shared values, and the right people. When you find someone displaying most of these team player traits, nurture them. They’re the glue that holds the team together, especially during times of high growth, transition or change.
If you’re building or rebuilding a team, use this list as a guide. You can download a team player scoring template here. And if you’re developing leaders, help them cultivate these traits, because great team players don’t just support performance, they lead and elevate it.
