Effective Teamwork: Benefits and Key Attributes
Why Teamwork Matters
A team is a group of individuals who work together effectively to produce products and deliver services. Teamwork is strongly encouraged in organizations because it serves important functions. It can be a source of motivation and satisfaction for members, and it also improves an organization’s effectiveness. According to Edgar Schein, teams are created for two basic reasons: functional and psychological.
Functional Reasons for Teamwork
Functional reasons include working on complex or large tasks that cannot easily be completed by one person. Also, it is a means of stimulating creativity and generating new ideas. It is a coordinating mechanism that integrates different parts of the organization. Moreover, it helps draw on multiple points of view for problem-solving purposes. Lastly, it is a socialization device to ensure a common understanding of the organization’s missions and values among members.
Psychological Reasons for Teamwork
Schein also argued that teams play an important psychological role by fulfilling social needs such as friendship and interaction. Teams also develop or confirm a person’s identity and self-esteem. Finally, teams reduce feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and powerlessness.
In conclusion, teamwork is not just important for the members but also for the organization as a whole.
Attributes of Successful Teamwork
Research has provided a number of attributes required for successful teamwork. Many of these attributes have been identified in the literature. The following is a summary of literature on the successful attributes needed for effective teamwork.
- Commitment to Team Success and Shared Goals: Team members are committed to the success of the team and their shared goals for the project. Successful teams are motivated and aim to achieve at the highest level.
- Interdependence: Team members need to create an environment where together they can contribute far more than as individuals. A positive interdependent team environment brings out the best in each person. Individuals promote and encourage their fellow team members to achieve, contribute, and learn.
- Interpersonal Skills: These include the ability to discuss issues openly with team members, be honest, trustworthy, supportive, and show respect and commitment to the team and its individuals.
- Open Communication and Positive Feedback: Actively listening to the concerns and needs of team members and valuing their contribution and expressing help to create an effective work environment. Team members should be willing to give and receive constructive criticism and provide authentic feedback.
- Appropriate Team Composition: This is essential in the creation of a successful team. Team members need to be fully aware of their specific team role and understand what is expected of them in terms of their contribution to the team and the project.
- Commitment to Team Processes, Leadership & Accountability: Team members need to be accountable for their contribution to the team and the project. Effective leadership is essential for team success, including shared decision-making and problem-solving.
- Continuous Improvement: In order to have a successful and effective team, members must learn and follow these attributes the best they can.