Team Building
What is Team Building?
Team building is when people work together to achieve a common goal. Each person brings a unique set of skills, experience and expertise, which makes the team stronger and more effective as a whole.
Team building in the workplace is the process of creating a team that is working together on things like a construction project or building a bridge. The importance and the purpose of team building is to create a strong team through forming bonds and connections.
Teamwork
What is teamwork? How does it benefit me? Teamwork is generally understood as the willingness of a group of people to work together. For example we often use the phrase: “he or she is a good team player”. This means someone has the interests of the team at heart, working for the good of the team.
- Everybody works together
- All depend on others to do their part
- Help whenever you can
- Ask for help when needed
- Listen carefully and ask for clarification if needed
- Speak up when you have an idea that may be helpful
“Many hands make light work.” John Heywood
Something to think about...
Imagine an instance when you worked with others as a team where it was important that everyone worked together – no one person could have achieved the end results by themselves. It could be as simple as changing a lightbulb while someone held the ladder for you, or someone held the door for you while you carry in a large box.
Cooperation
What is cooperation? The actions of someone who is being helpful by doing what is wanted or asked for. Cooperation is a key element of teamwork. Every team member’s full cooperation is what helps make the job go smoothly and successfully.
- Work together willingly with a common goal in mind
- Offer to help when available and ask for help when you need it
- At times you may feel like you are giving more than others, but in reality, there may come a time when others are just as helpful to you in the future
Cooperation exists at many levels and takes place between individuals and organizations. It allows participants to exchange valuable information that helps both sides improve their knowledge and skills and work together in an efficient manner.
Listening
Listening is key to all effective communication. Without listening carefully, messages can be misunderstood. As a result, mistakes can be made, which might otherwise be avoided.
Good listening skills make workers more productive and lead to better customer satisfaction, greater productivity, fewer mistakes, and more creative and innovative work. The ability to listen carefully will allow you to:
- Better understand assignments and what is expected of you
- Understand co-workers needs and show support
- Work better in a team environment
- Resolve problems with customers, co-workers, and bosses
- Provide information needed by your boss, co-workers, and company customers
- Get along better with your boss, co-workers, and company customers
- Show commitment to the goals of the boss and the team
- Resolve problems with your boss, co-workers, and company customers
Active listening means that you look the speaker in the eye, not interrupting the speaker, remain still and focused, concentrate on what’s being said. When the speaker is finished, repeat instructions and ask appropriate questions to ensure you clearly understood.
Be aware of barriers to listening. These may come from noise, distractions, daydreaming, language differences or accents, worry, fear or anger, bias or prejudice, and lack of attention.
Being aware of these things will also demonstrate to the speaker that you are paying attention. While you may in fact be able to listen while looking out the window, doing so may imply that you are not listening.
Communication
Communication is the act of giving, receiving, and sharing information — in other words, talking or writing, and listening or reading. Good communicators listen carefully, speak or write clearly, and respect different opinions.
- Listen carefully to be sure you hear all instructions before you respond
- Put written messages in your own words and use as much detail as needed to be clear
- Ask questions to get as much information as possible
- Focus on the task at hand – minimize distractions
Common barriers to effective communication include:
(for each of these sections there will be a callout block with a lesson/exercise in it: Some things to think about image goes here)
Sending Messages
Effective Verbal Messages
- Be brief, succinct, and organized
- Stick to the point
- Practice what you want to say
- Don’t include accusations and sarcasm
- Focus on behavior and actions needed
Effective Written Messages
Be clear.
Make your meaning as clear and simply as possible. Don’t over-write or use extra comments that are not necessary.
Be complete.
Include all key information. Think about the situation from your readers’ perspective. Will they understand what you are saying or asking?
Be correct.
Always check your spelling and punctuation before sending any message. Read it over from start to finish.
