Teamwork is considered one of the most critical aspects of an organization. This is because teamwork is crucial to the growth and success of an organization. After all, it creates a cohesive workforce, thus improving overall performance. This is because teamwork provides responsiveness and flexibility among the employees, thus facilitating project management and control of internal business environments (Evans, 2013). However, for the teams to function effectively, they have to go through various stages. Peter Scholtes discusses these stages as he outlines the ten ingredients required to create a successful team. The paper discusses these elements in detail, providing examples for each.
Clarity
Clarity is one of the primary ingredients presented by Scholtes that are drivers to success in teamwork. Clarity means the presentation of ideas or concepts in a precise manner that is also easy to understand (Scholtes et al., 2003). This increases efficiency and cooperation because all goals and objectives are well explained in a simplified manner, thus facilitating team success. The team has to share common goals for the plan to work; therefore, the need to ensure all goals are clearly spelled out and synchronized among members.
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Improvement Plan
A plan for improvement is also required to create a successful team. This is because a performance improvement plan lays out all processes that the team should follow, thus increasing the chances of success. The plan developed has to be detailed, contain measurable elements and logical reasoning behind the plans mapped out. Performance improvement plans include self-improvement programs and on the job training because they streamline skills held by individuals.
Clearly Defined Roles
In order to achieve team success, organizations need to ensure all tasks are clearly laid out. This prevents duplication of duties, which uses up crucial resources as duties may be performed twice. The definition of roles also prevents conflicts in an organization because it ensures all employees are clear on their expected duties (Evans, 2013). This area involves the sharing of tasks such as the determination of teachers on duty in a high school setting.
Clear Communication
Team effort requires the collaboration of group members, especially in the storming stage. Incorporation of proper communication channels integrating two-way communications ensures information flows freely. This can be achieved through the use of the open door policy where any team member can present the information they feel is vital to the project.
Beneficial Team Behavior
The development of practices that benefit team members provides a practice geared toward team success. Efficiency in team behavior and consideration of others involved generates an organizational culture focused on mutual benefits. Beneficial team behavior can also involve actions that benefit other members, such as disclosing new findings and using communication skills in the discussions.
Well Defined Procedures
Decision making is a crucial step in project management because it determines the processes to be followed in case of a conflict. The process to be followed must be clearly outlined, ensuring evidence-based approaches are adopted because they make decisions based on Data. The use of evidence-based decision making simplifies the process making it easier to reach a consensus, especially in discussions.
Balanced Participation
Balanced participation addresses the level of input brought by every team member. Every team member has a role to play in the project (Scholtes et al., 2003). It is crucial to ensure they bring equal participation in the discussions. This ensures reasonably balanced participation with all members contributing to most discussions.
Establishing Ground Rules
Ground rules are considered important because they dictate the expected code of conduct in a region. Generating a successful team, therefore, requires set ground rules on conduct among team members. While a code of conduct is functional in most groups, incorporation of written rules is required in some cases.
Awareness of the Group Process
All group members are required to be fully aware of the process to be followed. Ideally, all team members are aware of the verbal and nonverbal cues used, especially in discussions. Team awareness can be observed through the use of an observer to help identify areas needing a change (Scholtes et al., 2003). This can be observed in cases where group dynamics have been avoided to reduce tension identified among team members.
Incorporation of the Scientific Approach
Scientific approaches have been used over time in various parts of the business to improve efficiency. Team success also requires the use of scientific methods to solve problems encountered and under the stipulated time frame. Scientific models also introduce rational decision making because it is based on tested hypotheses and data available.
References
Evans, J. R. (2013). Quality & performance excellence . Cengage Learning.
Scholtes, P. R., Joiner, B. L., & Streibel, B. J. (2003). The team handbook . Oriel incorporated.
