Teamwork
is defined as efforts done by a group of people to achieve a common goal. In
essence, each team member leaves his/her individual priorities aside for a
larger cause and works together. A strong team is one in which the strengths
and skills of individual team members are combined in an efficient and
effective manner to achieve the goals.
To explain the
significance of teamwork, our Professor Prasad gave the example of Valley
Crossing:
In this, three persons had to cross from left block to right
block. Both the blocks were separated by a distance of more than one step of
each person thus making it impossible for single person to achieve it
individually.
To accomplish the task, we derived a workflow and split the task
into 9 steps. Then all the steps were followed and demonstrated in class to
achieve the goal.
The above task could
be accomplished only by coordination, effective communication, cooperation and
shared responsibility making it as teamwork.
Following
characteristics of teamwork can be observed on completing the task:
1) Purpose:
A clear goal should be present before initiating the task. This helps team
members to prioritize their tasks and work efficiently towards achieving the
targets. Just like in the task above, the goal was clearly defined to cross
from left block to right block.
2) Communication: This one of the most important factors for effective teamwork. Team members should communicate with each other without hesitation and share their experiences and opinions. They should listen to each other and discuss problems or any issues in a healthy manner. This promotes harmony and trust within the team. Like in this task, an efficient way to achieve the goal could not be achieved without effective communication.
2) Communication: This one of the most important factors for effective teamwork. Team members should communicate with each other without hesitation and share their experiences and opinions. They should listen to each other and discuss problems or any issues in a healthy manner. This promotes harmony and trust within the team. Like in this task, an efficient way to achieve the goal could not be achieved without effective communication.
3) Individual Roles: Roles
should be well defined among team members. This helps them in understanding
their responsibilities and synchronizing their day to day activities with the
team goals. Tasks should be evenly divided among team members to avoid overload
on one member. Roles need to be defined based on the strengths and skills of
individual team members.
In the task above, all the persons had to do the same task and move in similar way to avoid any overwork.
4) Coordination:
In today’s world, there are at times huge teams working together to achieve the
common goal. This often leads to inter-dependency among team members. To avoid
any conflicting situation members should approach each other without hesitation
and provide status of their tasks and any related information. Members should
coordinate properly so that nobody lags behind in their task as it will affect
the team’s goal also.
5) Managing
Conflict situation: At times there can
be conflicts within the team. It is important that these conflicts be
identified and resolved at appropriate time in a manner which maintains the
positive environment and harmony in team.
6) Success and
Failure: It is important that team members celebrate the success together
and acknowledge each other for their work. It is equally important to work
together without blaming others at the time of failures.
7) Team Leadership: It is important to have leaders who can help in boosting the
morale of team during bad times. They should try to facilitate communication
among members if it lacks and promote cooperation and sense of responsibility
among the team members.
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