TEAM WORK

WHAT IS TEAM WORK

 What is Teamwork?
According to BusinessDictionary.com, teamwork is “The process of working collaboratively
with a group of people in order to achieve a goal. Teamwork is often a crucial part of a
business, as it is often necessary for colleagues to work well together, trying their best in any
circumstance. Teamwork means that people will try to cooperate, using their individual skills
and providing constructive feedback, despite any personal conflict between individuals.”
TEAM WORK IS SELFLESS
 Teamwork is selfless. It focuses on the end goal. Teamwork runs on the concept that the whole
is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the classic “one plus one equals three” idea.
Personalities and skillsets differ which can create personal conflict. When the entire team
focuses on doing great work, however, the team members’ differences turn into strengths and
goals are met and even exceeded.
TEAM WORK IS BUILT ON
 What is teamwork built on?
When people collaborate, they work together toward a common goal. Thus, the foundation for
teamwork is a common goal. If each team member has a different agenda, collaboration will
be difficult, and it will become much harder to produce exceptional work and achieve goals.
Ensure your team is set up to work together and collaborate effectively by clearly defining
goals on a regular basis. Have frequent meetings with each individual team member to ensure
that they understand and are in line with the goals of your team. If any member of the team
struggles to align themselves with your team’s goals, figure out why. Do your best to resolve
conflicts of interest and determine differing goals. If a particular employee continually
struggles to work toward the common goal of the team, it may be time to part ways.
WHY TEAMWORK IS
IMPORTANT
TEAM WORK - IMPORTANCE
 The fact that most leaders grasp the importance of collaboration and teamwork is encouraging,
as this understanding is vital to the success of an organization. With the business world
changing almost constantly as new technologies and innovations emerge, companies need to
collaborate in order to survive. As teams work together to share their experiences and
knowledge, they can come to strategic and creative solutions. Every employee brings different
skills and perspectives to the table, and multiple viewpoints help companies find strategic
approaches to continually innovate in today’s fast-paced world.
WHY IS TEAM WORK
IMPORTANT
 Why is teamwork so important in the workplace?
There is very little disputation surrounding the importance of teamwork and collaboration at
work. The vast majority seem to understand that working together is absolutely vital in today’s
business world. In fact, research shows that nearly 3 in 4 employers rank teamwork and
collaboration as “very important.” Not only do leaders grasp that teamwork is important, they
also understand why it’s so crucial. They seem to understand that the results of an initiative are
greatly dependent on how well a team works together. A whopping 97% of corporate
executives, employees, and educators believe a lack of alignment within a team directly
impacts the outcome of a task or project.”
WAYS TO FOSTER TEAM
WORK
1. GET TO KNOW YOUR TEAM
MEMBERS
 Team leaders, above all, should take it upon themselves to become friends with every member
of their team. Regular one-on-one meetings can help with this, but a lot of getting to know
someone comes from being around them and showing you care by listening and sharing in
everyday conversation. As leaders greater come to know and understand their team members,
they’ll be able to help them grasp the goals of the team. Team members should also be
encouraged to get to know each other. The better the team understands each other’s tendencies,
skillsets, personalities, and working styles, the better collaboration will be.
2. AGREE ON A TEAM MISSION
 Remember how a common goal is the basis for teamwork? Leaders should guide the team in
understanding individual roles and the team’s overall mission, but feedback and suggestions
should always be welcomed. Hold a meeting to establish goals and clearly define individual
responsibilities and watch as the team begins to work together.
3. PROMOTE SHARING
 Since every personality is different, some team members may be naturally more vocal than
others. Seek out those who don’t speak out as much and ask their opinion on projects. Often,
the quieter ones have some of the best feedback and ideas. If you as a leader share thoughts,
feedback, and ideas often, your whole team will feel more comfortable doing so.
4. MAP GOALS AND
TIMELINES
 No one should have to wonder what the goals and milestones are and when certain tasks
should be completed. Make them very clear and you’ll spend less time explaining so your
team can spend more time collaboratively working
5. ENSURE CLEAR
COMMUNICATION
 So many issues stem simply from miscommunication. Make it a goal to communicate
effectively and efficiently. As you communicate well, others will learn to follow your example.
Every time you communicate an assignment, make sure it was fully understood by asking if
there are any questions.
6. BUILD THE TEAM
RELATIONSHIP OUTSIDE THE
OFFICE
 Sometimes being in the office creates pressure to perform and doesn’t allow employees to
fully express themselves. Facilitate casual gatherings outside of work that allow team
members to voice their opinion. Having little parties can encourage unity and team building
and naturally unveil personalities. This may even help you craft an awards strategy that fits
best with your team.