The Individual’s Role in the Team — Becoming the Team Member Everyone Wants to Work With

Great teams don't happen because of one exceptional leader.

They happen because individuals choose to show up in ways that strengthen the team around them.

In Chapter Two of Releasing the Power of Team, Andy Duncan is joined by Tanya Retter, CEO of the Chartered Banker Institute, to explore a powerful question:

What makes someone the team member everyone wants to work with?

Building on the foundations introduced in Chapter One, this conversation shifts the focus from team dynamics to individual contribution. It explores how every person, regardless of role or seniority, can positively influence culture, collaboration and performance.

As a member, this chapter offers practical insights into how leadership can be demonstrated as a behaviour, not just a position, and how small actions can have a significant impact on team effectiveness.

What You’ll Discover

This chapter explores the behaviours, mindsets and approaches that help individuals contribute positively to team success. Topics include:

  • The characteristics of team members who consistently add value
  • How individual behaviours influence team culture and performance
  • Practical ways to build trust, credibility and strong working relationships
  • Leading through influence, regardless of role or seniority
  • Contributing effectively when you're not the formal team leader
  • How collaboration and shared ownership strengthen team outcomes
  • Simple actions that can improve the way you work with others immediately

Whether you're an experienced leader, an emerging professional or someone working across multiple teams, this chapter will help you reflect on your own contribution and identify practical ways to strengthen your impact.

Podcast Conversation

Listen → Deepen

Join Andy Duncan and Tanya Retter, CEO of The Chartered Banker Institute, for a conversation exploring the role individuals play in creating successful teams.

Drawing on leadership experience and practical examples, they will discuss the behaviours, mindsets and approaches that help people become trusted, valued and effective team members.

Listen Here.

Live Surgery-Webinar

Discuss → Explore → Embed

Following the podcast, members will be invited to join an interactive Shelling the Pod session to reflect on the key themes, discuss practical applications and explore how the ideas can be applied within their own teams and organisations.

This chapter also introduces Declan Woods, who will facilitate the Shelling the Pod discussions and help members translate concepts into practical actions. Declan will continue to guide these sessions throughout the remainder of the Releasing the Power of Team series.

Pre-Submit Your Questions

We strongly encourage members to submit questions in advance, as these will help shape the discussion and ensure the session focuses on the challenges that matter most to you and your team.

Whether you're navigating change, looking to strengthen collaboration, improving team effectiveness or seeking ways to unlock untapped potential, we want to hear from you.

By sharing your questions ahead of time, Declan can tailor the session to provide practical, relevant guidance and address real-world challenges - even if you're unable to attend live.

Date: TBC

Why Chapter One Matters

While team leaders play an important role in shaping team performance, the responsibility for creating effective teams belongs to everyone.

The strongest teams are built by individuals who take ownership, contribute constructively, support others and create an environment where people can do their best work.

Chapter Two explores how each of us can strengthen our contribution to the teams we are part of and demonstrates that positive influence is not dependent on job title or position.

If you've ever wanted to have a greater impact, build stronger relationships at work or contribute more effectively to team success, this chapter provides a practical framework to help you do just that.