Thursday 3 July 2014

Characteristics of an effective teamwork

An effective team has clear goals and members who are committed to achieving these goals. In order to accomplish this, members should:
  • Enjoy open and honest communication (between members and with the leader)
  • Participate in goal setting
  • Contribute their skills and expertise
  • Deal constructively with differing point of view within the team
  • Be able to take on the role of another team member when required

Quality Teamwork

Organizations require quality effort from their teams. Teams can contribute much to the outcomes of the organization if they:
  • Use everybody within the group
  • Pay attention to data collection and analysis
  • Document process as a form of control
  • Focus on the needs of the customers and clients
  • Implement good communication processes

With these techniques in place, the result can be quite outstanding.

Team Leaders

Team leader have a particular role to fill. In the beginning their role is to set parameters and motivate members. As the team begins to function effectively, the role will change and the leader will become a facilitator.

Some suggestions for a good team leader are to:
  • Discuss matters concerning the work with all team members-keep them up-to-date
  • Respect the contributions made by members
  • Make sure members understand what is expected of them
  • Listen to all points of view
  • Build self-esteem
  • Motivate members towards attaining the team’s goals
  • Provide training and support in area which would assist member’s performance
  • Show appreciation for the contribution made by members

Delegating

Delegating is a valuable time management tool. It involved work into separate tasks and allocating the responsibility for completing those tasks to team members or other staff members. Staffs who accept the tasks need to have the necessary time available for complete them, as well as expertise, skills and an interest in the project.

The constraints of time and the need to use the expertise of others are two reasons for delegating. Staffs stand to gain valuable experience. The team leader is available for consultation, but is also released to concentrate on other work. The person delegating the tasks should give feedback on how well the work was done.

A record should be kept of the work that is delegated and a follow-up system should be implemented to check on the progress.

Conflict

Teams are not exempt from conflict situations. Members can express opinions and exhibit behaviours that are not always in line with the group’s ideas.


Conflict may be either destructive or constructive. The openness and assertiveness of communication will influence the satisfactory resolution of any disagreement.







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