Effective teamwork creates its own set of characteristics
that makes it possible to see the cohesion in a group. When an efficient team
gets to work, the structure that has been put into place helps the group obtain
productive results. In order to create a productive team, you first need to be
able to identify the characteristics of effective teamwork.
Unified Commitment to a Goal
A team is created to complete the goals it is given. An
effective team is committed to completing its goal by using the team's
resources. It does not mean that as individuals the people that make up the
team share the same point of view or are all in agreement on what is best for
the group. It means that when the team is presented with a goal, they can come
together and work as a single unit to complete the task.
Participation
In order for a team to act as a team everyone must be
participating 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, and when the
group is given a task, each member knows what their job is and sets out to put
in their fair share of the effort.
Open Communication
A team is able to communicate effectively and there is a
feeling of open communication between all members of the group. Issues within a
team are handled by face-to-face communication. Team members do not talk behind
each other's back as there is a respect developed among team members that
necessitates direct and open communication on all issues.
Decision-Making
A team has a hierarchy and a built-in decision-making system
that helps it to react quickly and effectively to all situations. The members
of the group are respected for their various areas of expertise, and the leader
of the group has developed the ability to obtain the group members' opinions to
formulate the group's response.
