Team Dynamics

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision and the ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results" (Andrew Carnegie). Communication is an exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior (The American Heritage Dictionary 1995). The two forms of communication are Verbal and Non-Verbal. Verbal communication is using the act of language to communication with others by the use of speech and/or writing to relay a message or to exchange thoughts. Non-Verbal communication is the use of gestures, sign language, facial expressions and body language instead of vocal communication. Email and telephone are two modern ways of communication that a team can take advantage of.

A wide variety of social skills are desirable for successful teamwork, including listening it is important to listen to other people's ideas. When people are allowed to freely express their ideas, these initial ideas will produce other ideas. Questioning because it is important to ask questions, interact, and discuss the objectives of the team. Persuading individuals are encouraged to exchange, defend, and then to ultimately rethink their ideas. Respecting it is important to treat others with respect and to support their ideas. Helping it is crucial to help one's coworkers, which is the general theme of teamwork. Sharing it is important to share with the team to create an environment of teamwork. All members of the team are encouraged to participate in the team. Communication in order for a team to work effectively it is essential team members acquire communication skills and use effective communication channels between one another e.g. using email, viral communication, group meetings and so on. This will enable team members of the group to work together and achieve the teams' purpose and goals (Wikipedia).

Being part of a team brings people together who may have very diverse personalities, backgrounds, beliefs, and ways of communication. This can result in difference of opinions and heated debates on the subjects discussed. Each individual needs to find common ground and negotiate the subjects to come to an agreed conclusion. Not all debate is unhealthy. The end result agreed upon after debate may turn out to be better than the original. Team members should not look at persons who have different personalities as a problem. A team that has diverse personalities will produce many different ways to look at a subject which will improve their ability to tackle a project.

Another challenge often faced is team organization. Finding the time for each individual of the team to coordinate and to meet is one of the most difficult things to accomplish in today's busy world. To overcome this hurtle all team members need to personally adjust their life to fulfill their academic goals and responsibilities. One of the biggest fears of being in a team is trust for your teammates. In a team what an individual does or does not do will impact the rest of the group. The fear of an individual in the group that does not measure up to their responsibilities will greatly impact the group's projects with negative results. Constant communication within the group reporting each team member's progress is the only way to tackle this fear. If a team member is falling behind it is up to the other team members to investigate what the reasons are and perhaps help that individual with their struggles.

Working within a team can bring great benefits to each one of its members. Some of the benefits are working within a team produces good individual work habits. With others to rely on you, inspire you, and to help you when you are struggling will give you the experience and the structure needed to make you stronger in your work habits. This will make you an invaluable resource to others in the professional industry. Having shared responsibilities is a great benefit.