Teamwork and Communication

Teamwork and Communication

I am a member of several groups. After finally having the opportunity to read the information provided in the text, I have come to understand on a much deeper level what is truly involved in and considered as effective group communication. Prior to today, when I was not able to put my hands on a copy of the text, I would have classified all of my groups' communications as effective. Chapter 8,9 has forced me to reassess this opinion and has made me come to see things that I was not aware that I was even overlooking. Overall, I have come to appreciate more than ever my chosen group, and the potential and benefits that a strong leader can bring to a group, as well as to me personally.

My chosen and most effective group is the one I work with. I am a relatively new member of this group, yet caught on very quickly to the group's pre-established communication patterns upon joining. I credit this to our supervisor. She treats us all as her peers; her equals. She encourages our team to share our thoughts, insights, feelings, and concerns about our individual tasks and responsibilities, and offers plenty of feedback accordingly. Being the newest addition to the team, I felt quite nervous and feared it may take me some time to get up to speed. This was not at all the case. She was extremely patient, and extended her assistance to myself, as well as to the rest of our group, without limitation. The single most significant element I attribute to my rapid professional growth as well as my team's success is my supervisor's willingness and ability to communicate effectively.

Teams are groups of people who share a common purpose, who depend on

each other to accomplish their purpose, develop relationships with each other and

outsiders and eventually develop roles in the team. These teams can be intact work

groups working for the same person, or can be from different functions or organizations.

In these times of constant modification within organizations, it is essential for teams and

team members to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Generally, there are three main characteristics for a team to be successful; they

must share a common goal, each member must play their own particular role, and each

member must be willing to make a few sacrifices. The most important aspect must be

the common goal of the group. Even though the members of the team have different

views, even though they come from different backgrounds, even if they have different

ambitions, this common goal is what will unite and bind the group together. If the team

is to truly be a success, each member will have to play his or her role properly. Conflict

may arise due to specific individuals wanting more credit, power, or glory; however, that

is when the importance of sacrifice becomes apparent. Each individual member has to

be ready to give up something for the good of the whole team, because for a team to

flourish and triumph, the goal is greater than the individual. When a team works

together with these three attributes, there is practically no limit to what they can

accomplish.

Communication in a group is paramount to meeting the objectives of any team.

Project Managers use meetings as a way of communicating with the project team and

the executive steering committee members of the project at hand. Communication

offers positive effects because members feel they are able to express their ideas freely,

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