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Ask HN: What are some non-obvious traits of a good coworker/team member?

5 points| ladybro | 12 years ago

I'm starting my first technical internship today. In the past, the jobs I've worked have been menial and temporary, and I haven't put that much effort into creating a long lasting presence or becoming a true team member.

I really like this company and want to be well received despite my lesser technical ability.

What are some traits or individual actions that have made you respect and value somebody as a part of your team? What are some big things to avoid as a new member of a tight-knit company?

6 comments

[+] onion2k|12 years ago|reply

Do what's asked of you. Do a bit more if you can. Help others. Ask questions if you're stuck, but only if you can't find the answer using Google. Join in when people are talking things through. Speak out when you think something is wrong (or right). Question assumptions. Respect the opinions of the rest of the team. Show gratitude when someone helps you. Be honest. Accept some of the shit jobs - everyone does them. Don't let people treat you like crap - you're there to learn stuff. Try not to take sides. Join in the non-work things. Have fun.

All this boils down to a single very important rule: Don't be a dick.

[+] brianmcc|12 years ago|reply

Very good advice. Be a good guy / good employee, not just a strong technical contributor.

Couple of qualifiers to: "Do a bit more if you can"

- don't over-reach, doing stuff no-one's asked for could be a negative, and

- don't be too pushy about "new ideas"; you might be right but as a new start you do not want to rub your colleagues up the wrong way until you've built a good track record and some respect within the org

Edit - plus buy the team cakes and chocolate sometimes :-)

[+] momchenr|12 years ago|reply

Taking ownership of a problem they caused. Giving more credit away than they take.