Fifth of adults 'not team players' and prefer to work alone, poll finds

'Lone wolves' believe they can achieve more success on their own

Nearly 40 per cent of respondents preferred to work in a group because it made life 'easier' (Rex Features)

There is an “I” in team for some people, according to a poll of 2,000 adults, one-fifth of whom said they were “not team players”.

Half also said they often got “frustrated” when working in a team and could achieve more personal success as a “lone wolf”.

However, the 38 per cent who believed they were team players thought working in a group made life “easier” as there is less pressure on them as individuals.

It also emerged never making a tea round in the office, refusing to split the bill on a night out and not congratulating others on their success were among the top signs someone preferred to work alone.

Indications someone was a team player included being happy to admit when they were wrong, listening to other people's ideas and giving credit to others if their team won a game.

"Although a large number of adults prefer working alone, and claim to get a greater sense of achievement by doing so, actually the majority understand the benefit of being in a group," said a spokesperson from Foxtrail, which carried out the poll. "Working as a team can be so rewarding – whether in work or in play.

“Sometimes, sharing ideas and working as a collective, whether that’s in the home, on a night out, during a team task or in sports, is far more likely to get better results.”

Also on the list of signs someone was a team player were the ability to communicate effectively, offering to help out with other people’s workloads and making sure others are recognised for their efforts.

On the other hand, lone wolves were more likely to talk about themselves, blame others if their team loses and boss other people around.

Letting the door slam in other’s faces, declining to buy rounds in the pub and refusing to pass the ball during a sports game were also signs someone preferred to work alone.

It also emerged almost two thirds of respondents felt it was important to be a team player in order to have friends, while 67 per cent said it was needed to be successful at work.

Most liked working as part of a team in sports, at work and on holiday, but preferred to be alone when shopping, at the gym and at meal-times.

Despite more adults getting a bigger sense of achievement when working alone than in a team – 24 per cent and 22 per cent respectively – 46 per cent preferred working in a group as it put less pressure on them as an individual.

A third would choose to work alongside colleagues above their siblings or parents.

SWNS