By Lisa McQuerrey Updated February 04, 2019
Working in a team environment allows all of your staffers to draw on the strengths of one another, work collaboratively and be productive. Team members must pull their weight, be willing to share ideas and concepts, and collectively approach objectives as a cohesive unit to be successful. Effective teamwork comes in many shapes and sizes and has a significant impact on the success of the organization.
Hold a Brainstorming Session
Holding a brainstorming session is an effective, high-energy way to launch a team initiative. In a brainstorming session, all ideas are encouraged, all concepts are valid, and there’s no hierarchy. Brainstormers should be encouraged to draw on the contributions of others, building from one idea to another. This type of approach encourages participation and includes everyone. It’s an ideal way to introduce a new team or launch a new project or work group.
Great Teams Trust Each Other
Team members need to be able to trust and rely on one another. Trust might include a willingness to hand off an element of a project you feel proprietary about or trusting that someone else will meet a deadline to ensure you have the information you need to meet yours. Trust is a matter of respect for your teammates' professionalism and dedication.
When you have trust, every member of the team is free to pursue their tasks with pinpoint focus, understanding that their team members will be handling their elements of a project or undertaking.
Willingness to Share Expertise
Strong team players are willing to share their resources, knowledge and expertise with others. Rather than playing cards close to the vest, teamwork involves being open about processes, demonstrating efficient ways to do things, and being receptive to the fact that the individual only succeeds when the team succeeds. This collective approach to co-working strengthens all players.
Complement One Another
In a team environment, people must capitalize on their strengths and “fill in the gaps” where the team needs it the most. For example, on a group writing project, one person may be better at creating concepts while another has a keen eye for proofreading final documents. When everyone on the team uses their best skills and takes up slack where others may be wanting, the collective strength of the team as a whole is stronger.
Be Open to Suggestion
Good teammates recognize that someone else may have a better idea, approach or process, and be open to taking a suggestion. That doesn’t mean that one person should push an agenda on the rest of the group, but that everyone is amenable to examining a situation and coming up with best practices that fit the ultimate needs of the group project.
Rise and Fall Together
There’s never the possibility of part of the team winning a competition – you win or lose together. Recognizing this cohesive relationship creates a sense of togetherness and camaraderie that can get a project across a finish line. When the success of one is dependent on the success of all, team members are more likely to do what needs to be done to pull up those around them.
Consistently solid teamwork can have a significant impact on the success of a business or organization. Shoddy collaborative work projects waste time, money and human resources.
FAQs
Sample answer: I find it best to work with a team, as I know that collective effort is always greater than individual efforts in achieving a greater goal. I prioritized my team's interest, put every effort to uphold my part of the job, and went the extra mile whenever necessary.
Can you give me an example of teamwork experience? ›
Our team always completed our projects ahead of schedule with very positive reviews from our clients. Our ability to communicate effectively was what made us such a good team. People expressed concerns clearly and openly, so we resolved issues as soon as they arose.
What's the best example of when you worked well as part of a team? ›
Example: 'I worked on a sales team where we needed to increase our monthly sales. I started a weekly meeting where the team could brainstorm and share our ideas for innovating and finding new sales tactics. I worked with colleagues to put these ideas into presentations, which we delivered to managers.
What is an example of teamwork skills in the workplace? ›
Demonstrating teamwork skills at work involves actively listening to colleagues, contributing ideas, and showing reliability. Being part of a team means collaborating effectively, whether in person or virtually, and supporting others in achieving shared goals.
What is teamwork in short answer? ›
Teamwork is the collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal or to complete a task in an effective and efficient way. Teamwork is seen within the framework of a team, which is a group of interdependent individuals who work together towards a common goal.
Can you give us an example of a time you worked in a team to achieve a goal? ›
Start by quickly describing the situation. It's best to focus on a specific moment, like an event or a team project. "At my last position, I was a wedding planner's assistant. One weekend, I worked with the road crew to install an arch for a wedding."
Do you work well with a team sample answer? ›
I enjoy working in a team environment, and I get along well with people. In my past work experience, I implemented a system to help organize the communication between my coworkers to enhance our productivity as a team. It helped us delegate tasks more easily, which led to earlier completion dates.
How to demonstrate teamwork in an interview? ›
One of the best ways to show your teamwork skills is to use specific examples from your past or current work, education, or volunteer experience. Think of situations where you worked with others to achieve a common goal, overcome a challenge, or resolve a conflict.
What is a famous example of teamwork? ›
Apollo 11's moon landing in 1969 is an extraordinary example of great teamwork. This monumental achievement was the result of countless team members working together towards a common goal.
How do I describe my teamwork skills? ›
The definition of teamwork skills is simple: the ability of team members to work well together in every situation and empathize with each other. Teamwork skills also include the ability to: Be mature enough to agree to disagree when needed. Focus on and contribute to team goals, not individual ones.
Teamwork happens when people work together toward a common goal. That goal could be professional or personal. You can work as a team to move a couch up a flight of stairs, launch a work project, or play soccer. Defining teamwork is simple, but understanding how to work well as a team can be complicated.
What do you say for great teamwork? ›
“I was blown away by your contributions this week.” “There's no other way to say it: we'd be lost without you.” “I can't believe how lucky I am to have such a great team.” “It's incredible how often you go above and beyond.”
Why is teamwork important short answer? ›
A team environment allows individuals to bring their diverse perspectives to problem solving, which in turn increases their success at arriving at solutions more efficiently and effectively. The contributions of everyone are more valued when solicited in team meetings.
What would you say is the key to excellent teamwork? ›
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.
What do you say about teamwork? ›
“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” — Andrew Carnegie (Click to Tweet.)
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