Topic 16: A member of a team

Team player

– Someone who works well with others. “She’s a real … who supports everyone to do their best.”

Take the initiative

/teɪk ði ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪv/ – Act without being told. “He often … when we’re stuck or need direction.”

Natural leader

/ˈnætʃ.rəl ˈliː.dər/ – Someone who leads without being asked. “He’s a natural leader who can bring out the best in others.”

Backbone of the team

/ˈbæk.bəʊn əv ðə tiːm/ – The most essential team member. “She’s the backbone of the team—without her, we’d fall apart.”

Positive attitude

/ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv ˈæt.ɪ.tʃuːd/ – Optimistic, constructive mindset. “He always brings a positive attitude, which boosts morale.”

Handle pressure well

/ˈhæn.dəl ˈpreʃ.ər wel/ – Stay calm in stressful situations. “She handles pressure well, even during tight deadlines.”

Excellent communicator

/ˈek.səl.ənt kəˈmjuː.nɪ.keɪ.tər/ – Someone who conveys ideas clearly. “He’s an excellent communicator who ensures everyone stays on the same page.”

Go the extra mile

/ɡəʊ ði ˈek.strə maɪl/ – Do more than required. “She always goes the extra mile to help other team members.”

Collective success

/kəˈlek.tɪv səkˈses/ – Achievement as a group. “In most work environments, collective success often outweighs individual gain.”

Interdependence

/ˌɪn.tə.dɪˈpen.dəns/ – Mutual reliance. “High-performing teams are built on interdependence, where everyone contributes to the shared goal.”

Personal growth

/ˈpɜː.sən.əl ɡrəʊθ/ – Improvement in one’s skills or mindset. “Focusing on personal growth can actually enhance the team’s performance overall.”

Synergy

/ˈsɪn.ə.dʒi/ – When combined efforts produce better results. “True teamwork creates synergy—greater than the sum of its parts.”

Foster cooperation

/ˈfɒs.tər kəʊˌɒ.pərˈeɪ.ʃən/ – Encourage teamwork. “Team-based activities foster cooperation and teach kids how to share responsibility.”

Develop interpersonal skills

/dɪˈvel.əp ˌɪn.təˈpɜː.sən.əl skɪlz/ – Improve the way people interact. “Joining teams helps children develop interpersonal skills early on.”

Cultivate empathy

/ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪt ˈem.pə.θi/ – Learn to understand others' feelings. “Working in teams helps children cultivate empathy and patience.”

Build a sense of belonging

/bɪld ə sens əv bɪˈlɒŋ.ɪŋ/ – Feel accepted in a group. “Being part of a team builds a sense of belonging that is crucial for social development.”

Constructive conflict

/kənˈstrʌk.tɪv ˈkɒn.flɪkt/ – Disagreement that leads to better outcomes. “If managed well, constructive conflict can spark innovation.”

Disrupt team cohesion

/dɪsˈrʌpt tiːm kəʊˈhiː.ʒən/ – Harm group unity. “Unresolved arguments can disrupt team cohesion and lower morale.”

Open dialogue

/ˈəʊ.pən ˈdaɪ.ə.lɒɡ/ – Honest communication. “Encouraging open dialogue helps resolve conflicts before they escalate.”

Find common ground

/faɪnd ˈkɒm.ən ɡraʊnd/ – Agree on shared goals. “Even in heated debates, good teams try to find common ground to move forward.”

Project-based learning

/ˈprɒ.dʒekt beɪst ˈlɜː.nɪŋ/ – Education through group projects. “Project-based learning is a great way to nurture teamwork in school settings.”

Collaborative tasks

/kəˈlæb.ər.ə.tɪv tɑːsks/ – Activities done together. “Teachers can assign collaborative tasks to help students learn shared responsibility.”

Peer assessment

/pɪər əˈses.mənt/ – Students give feedback to each other. “Peer assessment encourages accountability and reflection within a team.”

Role rotation

/rəʊl rəʊˈteɪ.ʃən/ – Switching team roles. “Rotating roles in group tasks helps every student understand different responsibilities.”