Team Dynamics

With the business world starting a journey to expand on teamwork and communication, I believe the importance of informing others of the benefits and challenges to overcome when communicating within a group is detrimental to its success. The impact of efficient team communication resounds in the quality of work and in the amount of time taken to complete the goal. Effective team communication can lead to results that surpass the abilities of even an expert in the field, while lack of efficient communication can lead to a result that is extremely deficient. Lack of communication can tear the group apart even while striving towards the goal. Learning the proper skills and forms of team communication can be used in all facets of our lives.

The sociological definition of a group is, "two or more freely interacting individuals who share collective norms and goals and have a common identity" (Stewart, Manz, Sims, 1999, p. 410). I ultimately agree with the authors' meaning of a group, but I consider that communication is a necessary precursor before one can arrive at this conclusive definition. This sociological designation for a group is jumping the gun. A group that has a clear goal and has already "normed" must have communicated, written down a list of guidelines or established rules beforehand. Many others would agree, Ben Adkins writes, "Put the rules in writing...there's a clear understanding and a point of reference. Hold everyone accountable to the guidelines. Everybody wins." (Adkins, 2005, p. 30) Having a clear goal and a list of team guidelines or rules is a major part in completing work in a timely manner while delivering a quality product.

As effective communication is useful in many scenarios; school, home, work and other informal groups, communication will help to achieve both personal and group related goals simultaneously. For instance, a group at work is formed and given a goal. Half of the work is already done, there is an established goal with specific expectations and those who are to participate in the group are already chosen. There are three parties in this situation: the organization, the supervisor and the team members. Each is affected by the outcome of the group. Each is also affected during the teamwork process. The factors relevant during this social exchange are the employee needs, organizational structure and organizational culture. Each of these will determine the salience of the group and its goal. If these situational factors are not beneficial or impactful, then behavior will not be influenced (Stewart et al., 1999, p. 412). Stout, Salas and Carson (1994) have also said, "...quality interactions are essential to team task accomplishment..." (p. 178). As a result, if there is a lack of effective and meaningful communication, then member behavior will remain unchanged and production of the group will be hindered.

If the situational factors above are not influential and effective, then group problems can arise. If employee needs are not being met by the group, supervisor and organization then the currencies available from the employee will not be given to the other parties. This same situation is true for both the organization and supervisor as well (Stewart et al., 1999, p.412). The stoppage of currencies available causes problems within the group on a social and professional level. This can lead to group decay in Tuckman's Theory of Group Development (Stewart et al., 1999, p. 416). Communication from the team leader or supervisor is the most valuable way of resolving these conflicts and getting the group back on track to achieving their goal. Communication will enable the leader and other group members to find the problem or problems, discuss possible solutions, then follow through with correction of the setbacks.

Open lines of communication are necessary for successful personal relationships and informal groups. This openness can be started and maintained by setting up guidelines and rules as in the workplace. They may or may not be written down nor be as specific and extensive. There must be a certain degree of respect concerning communication and rules for all parties involved. There is more at stake when relating to currencies available for trade between members involved. Things can become personal and even dangerous without effective communication in relaxed, informal groups. Consistent and productive teamwork depends on effective and impactful communication. Stout, Salas and Carson (1994) concluded that "...ineffective teamwork...can have potentially disastrous consequences." (p.177) For example, effective and clear communication is a must on the firing range and during general pistol usage. A lack of communication between people on the range can result in a fatal shot to a teammate or other shooter downrange. When field stripping your firearm near a group of people, alerting others of your actions keeps the group informed of the potential danger. This can prevent negligent discharges and promote situational awareness. In this case, effective communication can save the lives of others and prevent serious injury.

In order to effectively communicate there are many barriers and challenges to overcome. Factors that could inhibit communication include technology, body language/gestures, language barriers and socio-economic differences. These factors could affect communication under different scenarios. When speaking face to face with someone else or to a group of people, the body language use and the gesture you use could influence the message your words are sending. Socio-economic differences can affect communication by causing your audience to judge you or vice versa, before you begin speaking. Language barriers are not easily broken immediately and need planning to overcome, whether through use of an interpreter or the learning of another language.

Diversity