by Kim Jimenez
There is very little that gets done in any business that is not a team effort. Whether you work with other employees, other businesses, or just technology (yes, there are people behind that technology) you must deal with other people. So one of the most important concepts we can learn is TEAMWORK. Sounds simple enough, right?
Whenever you put a team of people or businesses together, there is always a potential for smooth sailing and great success or conflict and less than desired results. More than likely, it will be a combination of both. You must meld different ideas, different motives, and different personalities to become one cohesive group. While this topic could fill a book, actually it fills many books, we will touch on just a few of the necessary skills needed for successful teamwork.
Communication – This is one of the most important skills you can have in business and in life. Good communication can clarify goals, motivate teammates, keep projects from stalling and prevent many conflicts based on misunderstanding. It is necessary for teams to communicate frequently, clearly and in detail so the entire group has the same understanding; being on the same page.
Collaboration – Groups must work together with everyone contributing to the project. If all the work is done by one person it is no longer a group effort. Frequent checks and updates, whether in person or via technology, will assure everyone is doing their part and on task.
Conflict Management – As we said, when you put various personalities together there is always the potential for conflict and disagreements. Knowing how to diffuse a situation or better yet prevent it, will go a long way to a successful team effort. Don’t ignore little signs of frustration or aggravation as those can grow over the duration of the project and could erupt at a very inopportune time. So we refer you back to the first item, communication; imperative to a successful group effort.
Celebration – Once the project is completed and you can all breathe a collective sigh of relief, take some time to celebrate your accomplishment TOGETHER. Whether that means a dinner out together or just a celebratory coffee in the break room, make sure everyone is acknowledged for their contribution and that TOGETHER your team accomplished what they set out to do. If there is a good chance you will be working with these teammates again, it’s best to end on a good note!
Teams are extremely useful for the same reasons they are challenging; different views, different talents, different personalities. All these differences make a project dynamic and one of a kind, don’t let them be a destructive force. But as long as you are prepared, these challenges can be turned into great opportunities.