“The efforts of teams often produce
far greater results than individual efforts. Teams are generally more
productive, and their work can lead to the creation of valuable new products
(Capozzi).” Effective teamwork can be achieved through open communication and
active participation. Open communication creates unity among team members. Good
team players often use informal means of communication to keep other members
informed so knowledge and experience is shared within the group. Open
communication creates effective communication, and respect is developed among
members. In order to successfully get the job done, members need to keep each
other in the loop to prevent surprises (Brounstein).
Active participation is the only
way a team is able to act as a team in the creation of a solution. “A team does
not have extra members, each member of a team is essential to the team’s
success (Anderson).” Each member should know their
job, and set out to put in their share of the effort (Anderson).
Active participants demonstrate reliability by consistently meeting commitments
and following through on assignments (Brounstein).
If each member comes prepared for team meetings and listens and speaks up
during discussions, teams will be more efficient and successful (Brounstein).
