How to achieve success through teamwork

The work environment and teamwork

We all know the story of the Google team that successfully created, well, Google. The team of four very different individuals including a “wild card”, “agitator”, “leader” and “expert”, initially didn’t get along, but somehow found a way to create the most popular site on the web today. This proves that teamwork is effective, in every environment.

Why is effective teamwork necessary?

Is effective teamwork an individual effort or is it the combination of skilled and hardworking staff? It’s both – because there is a way to combine individual talent with a team and create the most productive work environment. When interviewing new candidates, employers often not only consider the candidate’s skills but also how they will fit in with the office environment. Businesses can make use of such teamwork and the value it brings. It allows a sense of unity and enthusiasm for common interests and responsibility.

Here are a few tips for your business to achieve effective teamwork:

Smaller teams are more effective

Management often thinks that more is better, but this is not always the case. Increasing a group to more than 9 people often decreases the likelihood of success because smaller groups can communicate better and knowledge sharing flows more effectively in a group of this size. Reduce miscommunication or disconnect amongst members by keeping teams smaller.

Diversity increases effectiveness

Having members from diverse backgrounds promotes different ways of thinking because members expressing their different views could result in an approach that is a combination of views, which might not be achieved with a less diverse team, who all share similar views. A combination of youthful energy and practical business experience can lead to great teamwork, therefore having a team of mixed ages could greatly benefit the project.

Diversity could create conflict, but you should not necessarily be afraid of conflict. It’s perfectly normal for members to have conflict, but the way they handle it can lead to a creative and unique approach.

Equal positions of power

Talking and working as equals increase chances of success because members can express opinions freely, and each member being valued equally promotes knowledge sharing. Members also learn how to manage conflict amongst themselves.

What is the outcome of applying the above?

Teamwork fosters creativity and learning and brainstorming ideas as a group and prevents stale viewpoints that often come out of working alone. Employees can build on the talents of their teammates and furthermore build trust amongst colleagues. It is no wonder companies like Google embrace working together in groups, powering through challenges, with tremendous success.