Effective Teamwork: Principles for Success

Through this class, we have gained knowledge on team building, the pros and cons of teamwork, communication among team members, and training to enhance teamwork. In Kohn's book "Six Habits of Highly Effective Teams," six guidelines for effective teamwork are outlined: strengthening emotional capacity for improved team relationships, increasing team self-awareness, practicing empathy and respect, establishing and enforcing team norms, thinking creatively, and assigning suitable roles to team members (Kohn 2007). Drawing from my own experiences with teams, I will discuss these six principles.

Firstly, the idea of "strengthening emotional capacity to improve team relationships" highlights the significance of strong relationships between team members and leaders. A successful team dynamic involves trust among members and maintaining a sense of unity and effectiveness. Achieving these requires fostering a positive emotional atmosphere within the team, setting emotional standards, and cultivating emotional intelligence among team members.

In a positive emotional environment, team members can comprehend, adjust to, and respect each other. When different ideas arise, they can collaborate to find a solution that everyone agrees on and trust each other.

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This is the dynamic within my family team. For instance, when deciding on travel plans, my uncle facilitates a process where each person writes down their thoughts on paper, followed by a group discussion to weigh the pros and cons of each option before reaching a consensus. This method allows us to acknowledge individual perspectives and establish norms of mutual understanding to encourage empathy in problem-solving. The role of the team leader is crucial in fostering this harmonious atmosphere.

When team members have varying opinions on a decision, it is crucial for the leader not to immediately jump to negative assumptions. Instead, they should take the time to understand the reasons behind the disagreement and listen attentively. The leader should promptly address any problematic behavior and use humor as a tool to resolve conflicts. While decision-making in a team typically follows the majority rule, there are times when considering opposing viewpoints can lead to unexpected and innovative ideas. It is essential to respect individuality, appreciate different perspectives, avoid belittling others, recognize contributions, and ensure that team members feel their ideas are respected. In my family team, we embrace diverse opinions and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard. Additionally, we prioritize interpersonal empathy and strive for self-awareness by seeking understanding before seeking to be understood, as discussed by Kohn in his book.

Emphasizing the importance of being connected to others and focusing on them is crucial. It's vital for a company to have a clear goal or slogan that embodies their team spirit, as well as actively listening and recognizing the significance of team names (PP 109). By promoting a culture of innovation, employees can feel proud to be part of the organization, just like Apple employees who are encouraged to make a difference in society through cutting-edge technology trends. When a company values its staff, they feel a strong sense of belonging and pride in their work. A job well done not only brings accomplishment but also pride. In my own family team, our slogan "I love my family" keeps us connected despite physical distance thanks to social networks.

Furthermore, practicing empathy and respectfulness is crucial in communication. This skill is especially important in a diverse workplace where employees have varied backgrounds, experiences, and positions. By understanding and empathizing with others during conflicts, contradictions can be minimized. In my own family team, we also encounter challenges at times. For example, disagreements may arise during vacations due to unexpected schedule changes. However, through patient and moderate communication among family members, conflicts are typically resolved without major issues.

We share a strong bond and mutual understanding in striving for a great vacation where everyone can have fun. Our families are cherished, and we are open to compromises for family harmony. Establishing and enforcing team norms is crucial to provide structure for team members to follow. Without rules, determining success or failure is challenging - just like in a game without rules, it's unclear who wins or loses. When a project succeeds thanks to staff efforts, leaders should share benefits with the team to evaluate their leadership based on how effectively they led the team to success rather than how much work they personally did.

As the team reaches higher goals, the importance of leadership becomes more evident. When leaders acknowledge and share success with their staff, the staff will value the team and appreciate having such a leader. Kohn also discusses the concept of "thinking laterally," where past successful solutions should not be blindly repeated without considering new ideas. Clients and organizations now seek more than just efficient task handlers; they want innovative individuals. This focus on innovation aligns with my passion for creativity and new ideas. I believe that human progress and innovation are closely connected to creativity and lateral thinking, which bring fresh energy and originality to problem-solving.

Encouraging creative thinking in employees can lead to unexpected results within a company. It is important for teams to assign roles that align with each team member's strengths and weaknesses. Team leaders need to recognize these qualities so they can place individuals in positions where they will thrive. Employee career development is essential, giving them the autonomy to plan their own roles and incentives. This approach may prevent subordinates from surpassing their managers in job position, but it enables them to excel in their designated roles and potentially earn greater rewards. Managers should evaluate their role responsibilities and assist in enhancing the skills of their team members.

Out of the six habits mentioned, I now have a better grasp of what makes a team efficient. An efficient team is one that sets development goals to accomplish tasks, fosters mutual trust among team members through effective leadership, maintains good communication, and works together positively. Building an efficient team involves several key steps. One must first conduct a systematic analysis to help each team member understand themselves better, identify their strengths and weaknesses, determine their work preferences, recognize their unique problem-solving methods, and understand their differing core values. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a shared belief system and a unified vision for the team's purpose among all team members, in order to establish the necessary guidelines for effective teamwork.

The team needs to offer education opportunities for employees, listen to their views, and encourage their creativity. An effective team requires division of labor, cooperation, and enhanced leadership. Leaders must set a good example to fully unify the team. Team cohesion is an invisible source of strength that comes from the inner dynamics and shared values of team members. Using values to guide the team will enhance its effectiveness.

Reference

Kohn S and O'Connell V wrote an e-book titled "6 Habits Of Highly Effective Teams" published by Career Press in 2007. It is available from the eBook Collection (EBSCOhost) in Ipswich, MA, and was accessed on November 27, 2012.