play well with others
Collaborate without friction
Play well with others means to cooperate, collaborate, and get along in group settings.
The phrase comes from early childhood education, where it appears on report cards evaluating social development.
In adult contexts, it usually describes workplace behavior—someone who doesn't play well with others is difficult, territorial, or uncooperative.
The childish origin gives the phrase a slightly condescending edge when applied to adults.
- communicationExchanging ideas or information
- inclusivityPractice of welcoming all
- collaborationJoint intellectual work
- empathySharing another's emotions
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
open mind · active listening · teamwork · team spirit · mutual respect · fairness · good sport · kindness · patience · cultural sensitivity · getting along · give and take · compromise · common ground · adaptability · sharing · conflict resolution · consensus-building
play well with otherskeep to oneself
Remain private about something
step on toes · make waves · butt heads · march to one's own drum · go against the grain
others, plays, played, playing, player, players, playful, playfully, playfulness