Teamwork is one of the ways we describe the synergy of a group working for a common cause. Ideally, this means that the united action of each person’s skill set comes together to meet goals effectively and efficiently. The importance of a collaborative effort towards the common good cannot be understated, whether it pertains to business, charity work, or society.
In order to productively contribute to a team, an abundance of both soft and hard aptitudes are necessary. Arguably, communication is the most critical skill. Without it, associations are subject to potential misdirects and confusion. In addition to having excellent communication skills, a good team member must be able to function effectively both within a group environment and as an individual. For a team to serve as a cohesive unit, it’s vital to set egos aside and have a safe space to receive feedback. Accepting criticism well is a learned skill that greatly helps any partnership, so members must be open to criticism.
Effective teamwork is important for several reasons. From a problem-solving perspective, having a diverse team of various educational and cultural backgrounds provides several points of view and approaches that would otherwise not be considered. For many companies, this means bringing together various departments such as marketing, finance, technology, and design.
In addition, team leaders can employ several tactics to encourage a creative exchange of ideas. Once the right team for the job is chosen, it’s important to establish a clear set of goals, so everyone is on the same page. Leaders should clearly explain their vision and project goals, and they should have frequent recurring check-ins to answer any questions and steer people along the path to success. With video chat availability, it’s easier than ever to host group meetings, and frequent check-ins will keep morale high and appease employees who might be feeling isolated and anxious about project deadlines.
When a team does well, the company thrives, which is a message that management can share with the staff in multiple ways. Studies have shown that a culture of kudos in an office, consisting of public shout-outs and praise, highlights more than just a team member’s success. It also provides incentives and motivation for others to do well.
At the same time, when mistakes are made, use them as a learning experience to highlight the teachable moments gained, rather than any negatives caused. For companies still working remotely, this can be a challenge, especially with the increase of job switching since COVID. When a team is effective, the employee turnover is greatly reduced because they feel they can contribute ideas in a safe space, even when errors occur.