1. Communication
1.1. (By Jamie Oliver) Communication allows teams to clearly identify and share expectations and goals with each other, ensuring everyone has up-to-date information on their tasks. Keeping an open-door policy means teammates can address any queries or concerns with each other [1]. Workleap postulates that around 20% of employees are unaware of how to achieve their goals in the workplace [2], which can impact the effectiveness of individuals working on a project due to uncertainty around what each person is expected to contribute. Communication is also key when working with clients or customers, since this is how the specifications or expectations of a certain task are set. If a client’s desires and expectations are not clearly communicated to all individuals working on a project, the result may be dissatisfactory. Similarly, communicating with team members can help them to understand aspects they may struggle with, or you could end up learning something new yourself. With effective communication, teams are reported have reduced stress and boosted confidence [3], which not only boosts productivity and enhances skills, but improves the mood and mental wellbeing of a group as well. Overall, it is evident that communication is a driving factor for increasing productivity, group morale, and individual wellbeing. It allows teams to define expectations and goals, communicate feedback, and learn or teach something new.
1.2. References
1.2.1. References [1] Expert Panel, Forbes Coaches Council, “14 Ways To Effectively Set Expectations With Your Employees,” Forbes, 10 December 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2019/11/26/14-ways-to-effectively-set-expectations-with-your-employees/ . [Accessed 8 October 2024]. [2] Workleap, “How to set and communicate clear team expectations,” Workleap, 11 February 2021. [Online]. Available: https://workleap.com/blog/how-to-set-team-expectations/ . [Accessed 8 October 2024]. [3] C. Okrona, “Managing Expectations: 5 Steps to Effective Communication and Understanding,” Leadership Garden, 27 April 2023. [Online]. Available: https://leadership.garden/managing-expectations/ . [Accessed 8 October 2024].
2. Goal Setting
2.1. (By Tonio George) Goal setting is an essential component of good teamwork because it gives clarity, direction, and motivation to team members. One important factor is to ensure that goals are specified, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) [1]. This framework clarifies expectations for teams, making it easy to track success and adapt efforts as needed. Another essential thing to consider is team member alignment. Goals should reflect both individual aspirations and the community vision, instilling a sense of ownership and dedication [4]. Regular communication is essential; teams should openly discuss goals, ensuring that everyone understands their duties and how they contribute to the overall aim [2]. Furthermore, engaging the entire team in the goal-setting process helps boost collaboration and buy-in [3]. This interactive approach promotes varied perspectives, resulting in more comprehensive and inventive aims. Finally, it is critical to build channels for feedback and accomplishment recognition, which will reinforce incentive and accountability [5]. Prioritizing these aspects allows teams to effectively use goal setting to improve performance and cohesion.
2.2. References
2.2.1. References [1] “SMART Goals,” [Online]. Available: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/smart-goals.htm . [Accessed 08 october 2024]. [2] “How to Set SMART Goals,” [Online]. Available: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/smart-goals . [Accessed 08 october 2024]. [3] “The Discipline of Teams,” [Online]. Available: https://hbr.org/2002/01/the-discipline-of-teams . [Accessed 08 october 2024]. [4] “The Importance of Team Alignment,” [Online]. Available: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/team-alignment-importance-communication-8196 . [Accessed 08 october 2024]. [5] “The Importance of Feedback in Teams,” [Online]. Available: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2020/03/12/the-importance-of-feedback-in-teams/?sh=6b2d334f55f0 . [Accessed 08 october 2024].
3. Individual Skills
3.1. (By Ethan Furbert) To effectively collaborate and accomplish common objectives in team environment, individuals must possess specific teamwork abilities to properly work together [1]. Even though for teamworking there are essential abilities/skills like communication, which entails articulating thoughts and listening to other’s ideas. Skills like problem-solving, where participants offer a variety of viewpoints to surmount obstacles and flexibility, which permits people to adjust to shifting roles and circumstances [2]. While conflict resolution skills aid in resolving disputes amicably, interpersonal skills promote healthy relationships [3]. Team members may rely on one another to complete tasks when they exhibit responsibility and reliability. Moreover, formal or informal leadership abilities can motivate team members and steer them toward goals. The distinctive abilities of each team member such as an individual with creativity or analytical thinking which can improve the group's performance as a whole [4]. In the end, these distinct talents come together to form a successful and cohesive team environment that fosters creativity and success amongst all members of the said team.
3.2. References
3.2.1. References [1] M. Brown, “Conflict Resolution Strategies for Teams,” Conflict Management Review, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 15-29, January 2021. [2] A. J. B. Lee, “Communication SKills in Team Settings,” Internationcal Journal of Team Collaboration, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 100-115, June 2022. [3] J. Smith, “Effective Teamwork: Key to Success,” Journal of Business Management, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 45-52, March 2023. [4] R. Davis, “The Role of Adaptability in Team Dynamics,” Team Performance Management, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 300-310, October 2020.
4. Leadership
4.1. (By Francois Riches) Leadership is a learnable skill requiring the right tools and techniques. Delegation, communication and problem solving are key skills for a good leader [1].It is important to know how to delegate, making sure to give others the tasks and resources they require to thrive as members of your team [1]. It is essential to communicate effectively with your team and stakeholders alike. Visions need to be articulated clearly to ensure all are moving towards achieving the same goal. Keeping the stakeholders informed and updated to assure continued confidence [1].Being able to solve any problems that arise throughout the duration of a project is an important skill as a leader. Handling a crisis or navigating a last-minute change of plans are the sort of challenges that might occur on a project [1]. It is important as a leader to foster a healthy workplace culture and positively influence team members. Building trust through transparency and integrity, showing accountability and navigating a project decisively. Being resilient during challenging developments and having the flexibility to shift focus when necessary [2].
4.2. References
4.2.1. References [1] IMD, “The Key Leadership Essentials to becoming a great leader,” October 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.imd.org/blog/leadership/leadership-essentials/ . [Accessed 8 October 2024]. [2] L. Landry, “6 Characteristics of an Effective Leader,” 4 October 2018. [Online]. Available: https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/characteristics-of-an-effective-leader . [Accessed 8 October 2024].
5. Mutual Support
5.1. (By Dylan Hocking) To have mutual support in a team ea ch member needs to respect ea ch other and the team. This will help as people are more willing to c ontribute to a team that respects t hem as individuals [1]. Each team m ember can also give feedback for w ork that members do and show g ratitude to each other when n eeded [2]. Offering or asking for h elp is a way to have mutual support in a team. Members who are willing to help with the persons workload and it shows that the member care about what the person brings to the team. Members who ask for help tells that they trust the team members [3]. Sharing knowledge can help member of the team learn new skills and task from other team members. This can help the members of the team to have trust and will also help each team member in future tasks [4].
5.2. References
5.2.1. References [1] I. E. Team, “Characteristics of Good Teamwork (With Tips),” 16 Mar ch 2023. [Online]. Available: htt ps://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/good-teamwork. [A ccessed 8 October 202 4]. [2] E. Delsol, “How can you promote mu tual support among team me mbers?,” Linkedin, [Online]. Av ailable: ht tps://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/how-can-you-promote-mutual-support-among-team-members . [Accessed 8 Octomber 2024]. [3] J. P. Love, “How can you promote m utual support among team m embers?,” Linkedin, [Online]. A vailable: https://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/how-can-you-promote-mutual-support-among-team-members . [Accessed 8 October 2024]. [4] L. JULIEN, “How can you promote mutual support among team members?,” Linkedin, [Online]. Available: https://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/how-can-you-promote-mutual-support-among-team-members . [Accessed 8 October 2024].