Teamwork is an integral part of every productive organization. A high-performing team helps each other maximize job performance and creates an inviting and productive atmosphere for the team members. Management preaches teamwork and often says, “there is no “I” in team.”
Teamwork is essential and effective, but to optimize the cohesion of the team, you have to remember there is an “I” in team. Every team has individual contributors. They possess skills and talents the team needs to be successful. The challenge for leaders then becomes to balance the needs of the individual with the team directives. When leaders are unable to balance the individuality within the team, collaboration stalls, and you lose variable viewpoints.
How to keep the “I” in teamwork whilst maximizing collaboration
- Establish and drive the purpose. The foundation of the project starts with why. But you have to go a step further and provide the why for that individual. Leaders need to help individuals see their personal purpose while on the team and how their purpose translates to team success.
- Promote individualism. Individuality is one of the most important traits for collaboration. Fostering individuality in groups promotes alternate viewpoints, and potential risks/rewards are more fully evaluated. Individual ideas must be continuously weighed against the project’s needs.
- Stay focused on the team. Teamwork will lead to conflict, especially when one person’s ideas aren’t implemented. Conflict is good and healthy when done right. Reinforce individuality by encouraging team coordination and cooperation with each other to achieve team goals. The strongest attribute of a team player is the art compromise. Help individuals understand the importance of compromise in achieving the team objectives.
- Reflect as a team and individual contributor. Stimulate the reflection process. Ask open-ended questions that focus on the how and why of the team’s project rather than the purpose. After they’ve had time to reflect, bring them back as a group to discuss their viewpoints, and make sure everyone has a chance to contribute.
Teamwork solves problems, creates efficiencies, and sparks innovation. Effective managers draw upon the talents of individuals who have a stake in the outcome. Identify individual talents within teams. Give timely and specific recognition to reinforce how their talents will contribute to driving results positively.
Last updated on December 29th, 2020 at 08:14 am
