TEAMWORK

TEAMWORK

BY ANDREW CARNEGIE

It has been observed by organizations and institutions that working in teams gives better results than working individually. However, this is only possible if the team is good and capable. Here are some tips for improving teamwork that would prove beneficial in achieving the goals set for the team.

Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.

IDEAS FOR IMPROVING TEAMWORK

PRE-PLANNING OF GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

Different people come together to form a team, where they are expected to work together to attain certain objectives. When a team is formed, the members are explained about their goals and objectives and the time period in which they have to achieve them. It is the responsibility of the members to come together and plan out a way that would lead them to their target successfully.

APPOINTING TEAM LEADER:

A team is led by the team leader whose duty is to encourage and lead the team members to do quality work and achieve the target that is set. One thing a leader has to understand is that, all human beings have different personalities and attitudes and while working in a team these opinions could clash and create conflict within the team. It is the responsibility of the team leader to resolve or at least minimize such conflicts.

ENSURING FREE FLOW OF COMMUNICATION:

For the success of a team, the most essential factor is communication. The team leader is the person who makes decisions, but this does not mean that he or she should not listen to anyone else. A good team leader is one who encourages members to participate in discussions and come out with their opinions, and then collectively find a way that they should follow to reach their goal. Regular meetings should be organized to review the development of the project and to record the contribution of each member. This will help in boosting the morale of the team members and make them understand their progress at work.

MAINTAINING CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEAM MEMBERS:

As teamwork involves interaction between individuals, it would be beneficial if the members know each other well. As said earlier, it is very common for people to have issues with others in the team. Every individual should understand that they are professionals and to achieve success, they need to bury their personal hatchets. Employees should realize that their contribution is necessary for the progress of the project and that the success achieved would be the result of a collective endeavour and not an individual one. It would also be great if the team members could be able to interact outside the workplace to know each other more. This would help in increasing a sense of togetherness at work, thus improving teamwork.

AVOIDING INTRAGROUP COMPETITION:

Competition is important for an individual's growth. However, unhealthy competition among group members can hinder team spirit. One should understand that each person has his or her own strengths and weaknesses. Rather than competing with each other, one should learn from others and improve one's performance.

These factors will help in creating a cordial environment at work, as well as increase the quality of work. If a team is not performing well, one should try to understand its causes and try to make changes to bring about improvement. When members in a team work together with a common goal in mind, success is sure to come.