The average American spends about 90,000 hours at work in their lifetime. Yep, you read that right. In fact, many of us spend more time with the people we work with than with our own family members. (No wonder they call it a “work family!”) And just like with families, every team has a unique dynamic and lots of stories to tell.

There’s Anne, who sits to your right, whose granddaughter is a prolific finger painter. Mike, in the office around the corner, is the backup singer for an emo rock band, The Rolling Moans (yep, he’s the one who’s been decorating the office fridge with promo posters). Dan, who shares a cubicle wall with you, is a nervous pencil biter but also a total research rockstar. And Ashley? She’s got her deep breathing techniques down (you know because you hear her sighing every four-and-a-half minutes.)  But her project proposals are par to none.

Being a part of a team is special. Everyone has a unique skill set, peculiar habits, and, sure, lots of opinions. Coming together to succeed in a common goal can be challenging, but it can also be way more rewarding than keeping your nose to the grindstone all by your lonesome. Getting to know each member’s strengths and passions, and creating a collaborative environment can help your team achieve greatness.

Here are five behaviors to help make your team more successful: 

Communication is key.

  • This may be an obvious one, but we can all use a good reminder. Communication is a challenge, now that many of us work from home. Daily meetings, calls, and messaging (using platforms like Slack) can help keep your team on the same track. Using shared, editable documents like Google Docs helps for collaboration on projects. File sharing systems (like Google Drive) keep information organized all in one place, and accessible to your team.

Give credit where credit is due.

  • Yes, we all like to be the ones who have the “big idea” at the meeting, but make sure to also credit others when you reference their ideas. Recognition is important to show your teammates how much you appreciate their important contributions to the work. 

Create a safe space to share ideas.

  • No idea is a bad idea. Yes, you’ve heard that a million times… because it’s true! Brainstorming is a messy process because there are a ton of “eh” ideas that come before great ones. So next time someone shares an idea you don’t think hits just right, don’t shoot it down. Add on and bounce ideas back and forth. You’ll get there. Great ideas take time.

Know and build on each other’s strengths.

  • No one is good at everything. That’s why you’re a team! Knowing where your teammates shine is important in utilizing each person’s unique talents. If you don’t know, ask! People love to talk about their passions and what they’re good at. 

Spend some time with your team OOO.

  • Let’s face it, we all stand up a little straighter when we’re in the office. Time together OOO will help you get to know a more genuine version of your team. You don’t have to be best friends with everyone you work with, but a game night or a night out every once in a while with the people you spend so much of your time with, is just nice. And it can help that team chemistry next time you’re at a crossroads on a challenging work project. 

Your team is amazing and already doing all-star work. A little communication and some team bonding go a long way in making a great team, even greater. So here’s to enjoying all your team’s future success!

Allie Demopoulos is a Content Copywriter at Surprise.com. A writer and producer, she believes that humor is the greatest tool and that the best of anything–comedy, music, stories–are experienced in basements. When she’s not creating, you can find her in the electric streets of Manhattan, a place she feels lucky to call home.