Planning Function
By: Andrew • Research Paper • 844 Words • January 21, 2010 • 891 Views
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TEAM COMMUNICATION
Team Communication
Thesis
Team communication is an essential activity that should involve certain elements that
will prove to be successful in obtaining goals and objectives. On may ask several
questions to determine key elements of team communication. What key aspects are
necessary in communicating in a team environment? Why is it important to have
effective communication among the team? What other requirements are involved in
building sound team communication? In developing answers to such questions, this
paper will illustrate the importance and effectiveness of team communication.
Team Communication
Some key aspects that are necessary in communicating in a team environment
includes creating a shared understanding and utilizing other resources that are available.
Communication is defined as the process by which information is exchanged between
individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. As individuals try
to convey their thoughts and ideas to other members of the team, consideration must be
given to any outside barriers that may hinder one’s understanding. Being in a virtual
environment, it is impossible for each team member to meet face to face. The team must
use other methods of communicating, such as e-mail, phone, video conference, or forum
boards. Each team member should identify their strengths and weaknesses, as it relates to
the team’s mission. Team members must trust each other by having good
communication. This will assist the team in working towards its goals.
It is important to have communication among the team as this will help
individuals within the organization succeed by enhancing leadership, setting goals, and
inspiring higher performance. It is evident that the key to success of a team will be
contingent upon the strength of its leadership. A group leader, either appointed or
emerges, usually assigns tasks to each member of the team. If there are any questions
pertaining to the mission of the team, it becomes the responsibility of the leader to
address such concerns and to keep all members informed. Communication is needed to
define the goals of the team and ensure the overall goal is understood by all members of
the team. Effective leadership will inspire and motivate team members through guidance.
In building sound team communication, other requirements are necessary which
include identifying group task roles and individual roles. As a team strives to reach its
objectives, they will certainly encounter some problems along the way. In an effort to
accomplish the group’s objectives through the facilitation of problem solving, it will
become necessary to identify tasks that should be fulfilled as a group. For instance,
members of the group should discuss among themselves periodically the status of their
progress. This should include discussions on any deviations from the agreed-upon
directions or goals, as well as addressing concerns on the direction the group is taking.
At some point,