How to be a Team Player in HVACR Service

Being a team player matters in HVACR service

When you’re part of a service team, your actions matter to others and can make a big difference in how their day goes. That’s important to remember because the reverse is also true: others’ actions have a big impact on your day and ultimately on your career success. 

Here’s how to be a team player. Doing so will boost your own career and help your team succeed at the same time.

How to be a team player: 10 steps to success

1. Be reliable

This one is at the top of the list for a reason: nothing is more important than doing what you say you’re going to do. Show up on time. Complete the tasks you’re assigned on schedule. Others are counting on you to do so. 

When you don’t (being late or not showing up for work, for example) that inconveniences your coworkers. Service managers and dispatchers have to scramble to get others to take on your work, or call customers to reschedule. Other service techs may have to take on extra jobs or otherwise complete tasks that you did not.

Of course, people will understand an occasional and unavoidable lapse. But if it happens regularly, your reputation will suffer, and you may find your future opportunities limited. 

2. Understand and appreciate how others work

Everyone has their own habits and working style. There can be big differences, especially between older and younger generations, in the way people approach problem-solving. For example, a younger worker might be much quicker to pick up new technology than someone approaching retirement. However, that older worker has seen every type of equipment out there and has a wealth of diagnostic experience and time-saving repair tips.

If you want to be a team player, be patient with individual differences in working styles. Recognize that everyone has something to offer and something to teach you.

3. Be open to others’ ideas

Chances are, at some point you will find yourself working with other technicians to make repairs, install equipment, or even just complete preventative maintenance tasks. Sometimes you will disagree about the best way to complete your assignment. 

Remember that others’ opinions have value, especially when you’re trying to diagnose a tough problem, or figure out how to squeeze equipment into a tiny space. Even when you’re sure that your way is the “right way,” keep an open mind and listen to others’ ideas. You just might be proven wrong and learn something new in the process.

4. Be flexible

Being adaptable when changes happen is an important quality in a team player, especially on a service team. The old saying “change is the only constant” is definitely true in the service business. So be ready for it and accept it graciously whenever possible.          

So, when your manager asks you to take on an emergency repair call, pick up parts for a coworker who’s running behind schedule, or swap on-call shifts for someone who has a family conflict, make it your habit to help without hesitation. Remember, you’ll need flexibility from others at some point and what goes around, comes around.

5. Share what you know

Knowledge and expertise is like currency on a service team. Always be ready and willing to share your tips, tricks, and experience with others. 

Doing that may take up some of your time; you might need to spend time on the phone helping out other technicians, and that can sometimes slow you down. But putting the needs of the team first pays off as you earn the respect of your peers. 

6. Celebrate others’ success

Be humble when it comes to your accomplishments. And remember, a team player always gives others credit when credit is due. 

So, when a customer praises you for a job well done, let her know that it was your coworker who figured out the solution to a tricky problem. And, make a habit of thanking others publicly when they help you out or do something noteworthy. If you do it by email, copy your boss and other team members as appropriate.

7. Be a great communicator

Communication is critically important to being a good team player. Make a point of keeping others up to date on everything that impacts them. 

Here’s a great article that provides more information on being a good communicator:

Communication Tips for the HVAC Technician

8. Don’t gossip

When it’s not your business, don’t get involved. Remember that whatever you’re hearing, chances are you don’t know the whole story. Give people the benefit of the doubt. If you have a problem with a coworker, talk to your supervisor or human resources. 

9. Be positive

A good team player understands that attitudes are contagious. When you keep your mindset and mood positive, and project that to others, you improve everybody else’s day.

10. Take responsibility

Everyone makes mistakes once in a while. When it happens to you, don’t try to hide it, downplay it, or blame someone else. When you own up to your mistakes, others learn to trust you.

Of course, taking responsibility for a mistake also means doing what you can to make things right. So you might have to be the one to apologize and explain to the customer why your repair didn’t work. And ask for help in figuring out the solution. Make sure you learn from your mistakes and get it right the next time.

More advice to grow your career in HVACR service

Our mission is to help HVAC and Refrigeration professionals to build successful careers. Check out these articles that can help you improve your skills and expertise.

HVACR Career Connect NY was created to promote the exceptional quality-of-life benefits of a career in HVAC and Refrigeration service, and also to provide a clear path for getting started in the profession. In doing so, we serve as a resource for employers in the New York City metro area to find and hire smart and capable new technicians. We also serve as an educational resource to support business growth and to help service technicians succeed in their chosen profession.