Do You Know How To Start With Individuals And Create Teamwork?

By definition, teamwork is identified as the cooperative effort by the members of a team to achieve a common goal. The teamwork I wish to address is the composition of the team and the relationships between the members of the team as they work towards the successful completion of their goal.

Teams may be formed at the workplace, in non-profit organizations, for social activities, for sports activities, and a host of others. Lets first start with the how an individual is placed on the team as this will have an impact upon the success of the group. You could be appointed with or without a good reason, voted into the team, you could volunteer for the team, or you may even have to interview to be a part of the team. Without spending time on this topic, a stronger team will include people who have common goals, ones with complementary strengths and abilities, and mutual accountability. This will generate team spirit, unite the group towards accomplishment of the goal, and result in a total larger than the sum of all the parts.

As we have team members with a common goal, we have the ability to create drive and energy as the motivated team moves towards their goal. With common goals, individual interests are replaced with team interests; consensus is built as team members all participate in the decision process. The more personal the goal becomes, the greater the effort of each.

Complementary strengths are designed to offset any weakness found among team members. Focus is placed on developing and enhancing strengths rather than trying to bring a members weakness up to an average level. In doing so, all team members are living out their strengths on a daily basis building overall synergy for the team. Isolated greatness does not help the overall team; members need team greatness to achieve extraordinary results. As the team moves forward, members know and understand their importance to the team.

Teams may include up to 5 different types of individuals and by their description we can see their strengths:
- The sure and steady team members who will stay with the task until it is accomplished
- The followers who support the leaders and the team they will run with new ideas
- The creative people who toss out new ideas and methods
- The facilitators who provide unity, support and encourage cooperation
- The show-off who adds spice to the team and creates momentum

With mutual accountability each member has a responsibility to the others. With that responsibility, we work to live up to what others expect of us. That expectation drives us to higher performance and greater contributions.

The relationships within a high functioning team are ones where each member treats the other members with respect; individuals genuinely care about each other, and encourage each other. Recognition is shared or given to others. Honesty is present at all times; the common goals create special bonds between members. All ideas are considered, mistakes are treated as a learning experience knowing it may take multiple attempts to achieve the desired result. Each member receives an equal voice.

Although I have focused entirely on the team, the leader or organizer of the team also plays a role in overall team performance and their success towards the common goal. A key in building effective teams is the common goal, bond, or interests shared by the individuals look for the common connection when assembling or adding members to the team. The stronger the connection between the individuals, greater results will be generated and a larger overall success experienced by the entire group.