Teamwork

Teamwork enables individuals to achieve a common goal by sharing responsibilities and duties. Teamwork Success, therefore, involves the cooperative process that allows unique peopleto achieve goals and results that are extraordinary (Hills, 2001). Teamwork success depends on the commitment and organization of all the team members. From a company perspective to a school project and course, team success is achieved through Commitment. Dedication to teamwork success enables the groups of people achieves their goals and tasks without challenges (Reynolds, 1994). Generally, teamwork emphasizes on the virtues of cooperating and the importance of making use of different strengths of team members (Levin, 2002). The paper focuses on team working that involves organizing team members into groups based on unique product, process part, or service so as to achieve the main objective.

Teamwork increases competitiveness by product improvement, making quality goals that encourage innovation(Reynolds, 1994). Teamwork further takes advantage of opportunities offered by technological advances(Hills, 2001). Working together for success improves individual commitment and motivation.  So as to succeed and remain competitive teams need to use each other fully and utilize the available materials and equipment optimally

Education and learning adoption of teamwork as a strategy of effective learning is increasingly vital(Levin, 2002). Designs for learning need to in cooperate student-centered team based studying and learning such as case based, problem based, and inquiry based and project based scenarios. Teamwork and teams assist in promoting deep learning which occurs through interaction, dialogue, collaboration, cooperation and problem solving. Members of a team should be flexible enough (Hills, 2001). There are several attributes for a successful teamwork. First, there is commitment to team success and shared goals for the project. Teams that are successful are engaged, aim to achieve highest level and are motivated. Second, there is interdependence; members of team create an environment where together they contribute much more as compared to individuals (Reynolds, 1994). Positive interdependence brings out the best of each individual enabling the team to achieve even far more as expected.

Individual members encourage and promote fellow members to achieve, learn, and contribute. Third, there are the interpersonal skills, which include the capability to discuss issues in open with other team members, be trustworthy, supportive, and honest, and show commitment and respect to individual member and the team at large. Forth there is open communication and feedback that is positive. Hills (2001) Listening actively to the needs and concerns members and valuing each other contribution and expression helps in creating effective teamwork environment. Members of the team should be willing to receive and give criticism that is constructive give feedback that is authentic. Fifth, appropriate team composition is very essential in creating a successful teamwork.

Members of the team need to know and understand their specific roles and expectations. Finally, there is need for commitment to team process, accountability and leadership. Every member has to be accountable for the contribution made to the project and the team(Hills, 2001). Members should be aware of team process, new ideas and best practices. Leadership that is effective is crucial for team success including problem solving and decision making that is shared(Levin, 2002).

According to Reynolds(1994), building trust among team members is a very important methodology towards teamwork success. It is important that team leader defines the duty of each member clearly basing on individual strength. The expectation of the project should also be clearly defined so that the members can stick to the scope of the project.  Personal behavior and mannerism is considered for this particular case. Time commitment should be clearly outlined so that each task has adequate time(Levin, 2002). Members of the team should not be overloaded with too many commitments and interruptions. A good follow up should be made through the project by checking and noting down the milestones, progress and challenges. All team members should be treated equally without favoritism and biasness(Levin, 2002). Equal treatment of team members builds the trust and commitment required.

Members should be encouraged to stand up and lead. Individual member’s contribution becomes easy to come out as the members feel free and encouraged. An open door polices also adds to the courage of teams to speak and share freely. Members should be encouraged to assist and support one another(Reynolds, 1994). The sharing skill builds individual strength. Bonus tips and rewards makes it further interesting as members get motivated, they become competitive and achieve better and superior goals. Rewards further make the project interesting rather than tiresome and boring. Through rewards, members feel recognized and appreciated, they get the sense of belonging in the team, they feel responsible and that there voice is heard(Hills, 2001).

The attributes and methodologies highlighted are important in a capstone course as students get to appreciate one another and learn from each other. It further makes learning easier and enjoyable. Building a winning team therefore requires commitment, cooperation, coordination, communication, and coaching (Reynolds, 1994). Team members who are committed see beyond their own work and mind about the general work and goal(Levin, 2002). Commitment is all about winning. Teamwork success is a major motivator towards individual performance and should be encouraged to all.

References

Hills, H. (2001). Team-Based Learning. Burlington, VT: Gower.

Levin, P. (2002). Teamwork tutoring: Helping students working on group projects to develop teamwork skills. Retrieved 13 January 2013 from http://www.teamwork.ac.uk/MGS_teamwork_tutoring.pdf.

Reynolds, M. (1994). Groupwork in Education and Training. London: Kogan Page.

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