talking about teamwork

What is teamwork and why does it matter?

Our trainees have to be a team to get the job done. The trouble is that they haven't quite got the hang of it. They're still acting as individuals and thinking about themselves. Even team meetings concentrate on personal issues.

The group co-operates briefly when Dan comes back off suspension. For a couple of days there's a united and effective team. But it doesn't take much for it all to fall apart. A bit of pressure, a bit of bickering and it's back to square one.

So, how can our trainees turn themselves into a successful work team? They have to think like footballers. Footballers play in the positions that match their strengths. In effective work teams, people take on the roles that suit them best. There are three main ones - activators, communicators and problem solvers.

Activators
Activators are energetic, enthusiastic, organised and in touch with the details. They hate giving way on things so can be very annoying. But no team lasts long without them because they:

• motivate people
• guide team action
• keep things going
• make sure that things get finished on time

Communicators
Communicators are good with people. Sometimes it seems like they're all talk and no action. But, every team needs them because they:

• see the big picture
• match people to suitable jobs
• co-ordinate and manage the work - hold things together
• build team spirit
• smooth out personal rows so that they don't get in the team's way

Problem solvers
Problem solvers are creative and full of ideas. No team wants too many. They'll spend all their time arguing about whose ideas are best. But, every team needs at least one because they:

• keep their fingers on the pulse and know what's going on
• can spot and solve a lot of problems before they happen
• come up with ideas to solve any problems that get past them

Teamwork
On match days, 11 footballers hit the pitch as a team. They have one aim in mind - to win. It would be hopeless if they did their own thing. It's the same with a work team. You know if you're in a good team because people:

• sign up to the team goal - they're on a mission to succeed
• put the team first - there's no 'I' in team
• respect each other - they turn up on time, pull their weight and co-operate
• help each other - they do something instead of worrying about it
• ask for help - no one's perfect
• trust each other - it's soon obvious if someone's not pulling their weight or can't do the job
• believe in the team - they think 'we can do this'
• communicate - they share ideas and don't keep things bottled up until they explode

Do you have what it takes?

Are you a good team player? Or do you sometimes feel left out? If so, try using these tips.

• Figure out and work to your strengths - are you an activator, communicator or problem solver?
• Join in the chat - share information, find out how other people see you and use their ideas to help you grow
• Let people know you're working for the team - co-operate even if you don't really want to
• Put yourself first in dire emergencies only - people need to know you're dependable
• Be honest - they'll find you out sooner or later
• Share credit not blame - share the credit for solving problems instead of finding someone to blame