Teamwork means a sense of unity, of enthusiasm for common interests and duties. There are certain qualities that members of the team must have to produce effective teamwork.
Firstly, there must be a high level of confidence among team members, a characteristic that stems from open communication and the increase of trust and risk-taking. Through interdependence come the group dynamics, which are how team members interact with each other. Healthy dynamics lead to team members being more satisfied and therefore working more efficiently together, whereas unhealthy dynamics lead to conflict and, consequently, to unsatisfied team members.
Due to this, an essential characteristic of efficient teamwork is healthy conflict resolution, that comes along with open communication. For productive collaboration to exist, a team needs to have clear and attainable goals, through which team members can feel accomplished and motivated.
Finally, sharing leadership positions between team members enhances teamwork due to the feeling of shared responsibility and accountability. Team effectiveness and chemistry may also be linked to personality types. Depending on personality types, teams may be more or less efficient.
8 Keys to Successful Teamwork
1. The Team Is Clear About Its Mission.
2. Strong Sense of Group Commitment.
3. Respectful Communication Is the Model.
4. Creativity and Innovation Are the Standards.
5. Group engages in Continuous Improvement.
6. Teamwork can solve problems and conflicts.
7. Practices Participative Leadership.
8. Teams can make high-quality decisions.
Why is Teamwork Important?
What difference teamwork makes. Teams and collaboration have become a central part of our work life. Why is partnership important?
1. Creates synergy – where the sum is greater than the parts.
2. Supports a more empowered way of working, removing constraints that may prevent someone from doing their job correctly.
3. We Promote flatter and leaner structures with less hierarchy.
4. Encourages multi-disciplinary work where teams cut across organizational divides.
5. Fosters flexibility and responsiveness, especially the ability to respond to change.
6. Pleases customers who like working with good teams (sometimes the customer may be part of the group).
7. We Promote a sense of achievement, equity, and camaraderie, essential for a motivated workplace.
8. When managed properly, teamwork is a better way to work.
UK entrepreneur, Richard Branson, says:
“What matters is working with a few close friends, people you respect, knowing that if times did turn bad these people would hold together.”
So, there you have it – a few ways to improve teamwork in your organization. Try planting a few of these seeds in your organization, finding out which ones serve you best, and reaping stronger collaboration.
If you’ve got any other sweet suggestions, we’d love to hear from you!
