Teamwork

I chose to right a blog about 'teamwork' because I feel many, if not all people, encounter a time in their life where they must work together in a group or on a team to complete a certain task and/or achieve a particular goal. I believe, anyone at any age can remember a time when they had to work with others to achieve something in a group setting. A few examples of activities that involve a group(s) of people are: clubs, work/study groups, and sports teams. Being a college student, I am surrounded by people who are involved in one or more of the categories of groups and/or teams that I have previously mentioned. I myself have also been a part of: WestConn’s Women's Field Hockey Team (2008), The National Honor's Society of Collegiate Students (2009), and a study group for ACC 202 (2010) that my friends and I have formed with other students in my class. I've also experienced working in groups in several of my Communications, Spanish, English, Math, Science, Sociology, and Psychology class(es); and these classes are just a few I can name of the top of my head at the moment.

I think the most important aspect of teamwork is its 'effectiveness.'  (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/effective) defines ‘effective’ as: adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result. I have read an article online entitled, “Teamwork: Components of an Effective Team,” (http://www.lmi-inc.com/articles/teamwork_components.pdf) where the author states, “Effective teamwork is essential to the success of any business… the positive effects of productive teamwork can energize an entire organization, just as the negative effects of a lack of teamwork can cripple an organization.” He also states, “An essential ingredient to effective teamwork is attracting and keeping the right team members… without the right people for the job, the team will inevitably fail.”

The author also gave a list of four components that make-up an effective team. 1. Positive Corporate Culture – “In order to recruit long-term effective team members, the corporate culture of an organization must be positive, open, and invigorating.” 2. Give Recognition – “If you do not give out positive recognition for accomplishments, employees will eventually resort to seeking out negative recognition; Examples: A. Outstanding Performance, B. Continued performance, C. Improved Performance.” 3. Positive Feedback – “Without feedback your team members are unable to measure their results. A lack of feedback creates confusion, missed expectations, and disappointment.” 4. Provide New Opportunities – “By creating an organizational environment rich in creativity, openness, and energy, you can expect to attract and keep vital team members.

I agree with the author’s position and feel these components would definitely create an effective team and work environment. Do you agree with the author’s position on teamwork and effectiveness? Are there any other components that you would add to his list? Are there components that you would get rid of or change?