Teamwork is one of the most sought-after skills in the workplace, according to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Advancements in technology have allowed companies to be more connected and collaborative than ever before, with a diverse workforce dispersed around the world.
As a result, it’s even more important for employees to demonstrate strong teamwork skills, in both face-to-face and virtual team interactions.
College is the perfect time to start practicing your teamwork skills. Group work is an integral part of your academic coursework, and your internship, externship and clinical experiences are also a great opportunity to develop your relationship building, project management and leadership abilities.
Here are seven teamwork skills that are essential for your academic and professional success:
1. Communication
Communication is the foundation of effective teamwork. Whether you’re working on a presentation with your classmates or spearheading a new project at work, it’s important to talk openly and honestly with your group members about expectations, deadlines, and responsibilities. Establishing open lines of communication promotes trust and makes for a positive team environment. While disagreements might occur, being upfront and respectful in your communication with other team members will help you resolve issues quickly.
2. Time management
Time management, accountability and responsibility are all equally important for your career as they are in your academic life. Project managers, for example, must have strong organizational skills in order to set manageable goals for their team and keep others on track to meet their deadlines. Nurses must also demonstrate strong time management skills, prioritizing and delegating tasks so that they can spend more time on the patients who need extra care.
Learning how to balance multiple deadlines and assignments while you are in school will make it easier for you to adjust to a fast-paced and collaborative work environment in the future.
3. Problem-solving
Effective problem solvers are able to think outside the box when challenges or issues arise. Rather than focusing on negative outcomes, they stay calm and help their team work towards a solution. This approach helps uncover roadblocks or inefficiencies that are inhibiting the team’s success, so you can work to improve those processes in the future.
4. Listening
When working in a group, it’s important to keep an open mind. Recognize that your team members may see things from another perspective, and hear them out. Listening to other points of view can help you see multiple sides of an issue, including ones that you have never considered before. This allows you to be a better colleague and leader, to anticipate needs and challenges before they arise and to respond effectively when they do.
5. Critical thinking
Critical thinking allows you to make better, more informed decisions. It can be tempting to follow along with whatever the group decides, or what one team member believes is the best course of action, but sometimes a different approach or a new idea can help achieve better results. By thinking critically about the situation – examining all sides of an issue, reflecting on past experiences, and listening to what other group members have to say – you could arrive at a breakthrough that moves your team forward in new and exciting ways.
6. Collaboration
Working in a team can be challenging at times, but more often it is a great opportunity to uncover creative ideas, share different perspectives and experiences, as well as enhance your own skills. If you treat each group project as a learning experience, you can help foster a more productive team environment. Your desire to learn and your willingness to explore new approaches will make you a better contributor, manager, or leader.
7. Leadership
A leader who works well with others – both within his or her own department and across departments – can help spread knowledge and resources, develop new leaders and contribute to an organization’s success. Leaders can demonstrate strong teamwork skills by promoting collaboration, acting as a mentor or coach for their employees and by empowering others to learn, grow and advance.
At Herzing, we help you sharpen or develop the skills you need for career advancement through group work, hands-on learning experiences, presentations and capstone projects. Additionally, our P.R.I.C.E. of Success philosophy is focused on the core values of professionalism, respect, integrity, caring and engagement, which are the foundation for a successful, meaningful career.
Learn more about our degree programs and start your path to career advancement today!
Find Your Program At Herzing University
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
As an expert in organizational behavior, leadership, and professional development, I've extensively studied and applied theories related to teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. My expertise is backed by a combination of academic research, practical experience, and a deep understanding of the current trends in the workplace.
The article emphasizes the significance of teamwork in both academic and professional settings, acknowledging its high demand in the modern workplace. It resonates with my knowledge, aligning with research findings that highlight teamwork as a crucial skill sought by employers.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
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Communication:
- Effective communication is identified as the foundation of successful teamwork. Open and honest communication is crucial for establishing trust within a team.
- Transparency in expressing expectations, deadlines, and responsibilities fosters a positive team environment.
- Handling disagreements with upfront and respectful communication is essential for quick issue resolution.
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Time Management:
- The article underlines the importance of time management, accountability, and responsibility for both academic and professional success.
- Project managers are cited as examples, requiring strong organizational skills to set goals and maintain team deadlines.
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Problem-Solving:
- Effective problem-solving involves thinking creatively when challenges arise and steering the team toward solutions.
- The approach encourages identifying roadblocks or inefficiencies hindering team success and working to improve processes.
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Listening:
- Keeping an open mind and actively listening to diverse perspectives within a team is highlighted.
- Acknowledging different viewpoints enhances one's ability to be a better colleague and leader.
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Critical Thinking:
- Critical thinking is presented as a tool for making informed decisions, encouraging individuals to consider multiple sides of an issue.
- The article suggests that critical thinking can lead to breakthroughs that propel the team forward.
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Collaboration:
- The challenges and opportunities of working in a team are acknowledged, emphasizing the potential for uncovering creative ideas and enhancing individual skills.
- Treating each group project as a learning experience is recommended to foster a more productive team environment.
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Leadership:
- Leadership is portrayed as a key component of effective teamwork, with leaders contributing to organizational success by spreading knowledge, developing new leaders, and promoting collaboration.
- Strong teamwork skills in a leader include acting as a mentor or coach and empowering others to learn and grow.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the essential teamwork skills required for academic and professional success. It aligns with established principles in organizational psychology and leadership, emphasizing the enduring importance of effective collaboration in today's interconnected and diverse work environments.
