Team building: the art of effective teamwork
A well-functioning team is an impressive unit in which the members have sufficiently clarified their work-related interpersonal issues, uncertainties and points of conflict so that the team’s energy can flow fully into the fulfilment of factual objectives.
Aspects that should be considered during team building:
- Clear communication: In well-functioning teams, communication is transparent, effective and constructively critical. The team members are able to exchange their thoughts and ideas without any obstacles. Misunderstandings are minimised as open and honest communication is encouraged. Critical issues can also be clarified constructively.
- Mutual trust: Mutual trust is a crucial factor for team members. Teams whose members trust each other in terms of their abilities, commitments and integrity create an atmosphere of mutual respect and support.
- Clear goals and roles: Well-functioning teams have clear goals and task assignments. Each team member understands their role(s) and responsibilities. This ensures a smoother process and a clear focus on the common goals.
- Dealing constructively with conflicts: Conflicts are unavoidable in every team. In functioning teams, they are dealt with constructively. Team members are able to address conflicts openly and find solutions without them jeopardising cooperation.
- Effective decision-making: In well-functioning teams, decisions are made on the basis of facts and common goals. Team members are open to different perspectives and work together to make the best decisions for the team.
- Shared values and vision: Well-functioning teams share common values and an inspiring vision. This common basis strengthens team cohesion and promotes motivation to achieve goals.
- Meaningfulness and resilience: Well-functioning teams experience their collaboration as meaningful. This significantly strengthens team resilience.
Success factors for functioning teams:
- Team building: Investment in team development can be instrumental in fostering the necessary skills and understanding for effective teamwork.
- Leadership and coaching: A competent manager or coach can support teams in developing an awareness of the factors of good co-operation, resolving conflicts and shaping development processes in a sustainable way.
- Feedback and reflection: Regular feedback and the ability to reflect are crucial for optimising team dynamics and enabling continuous improvement.
- Retrospectives on collaboration: Regular retrospectives on meta-communication, in which the HOW of collaboration is discussed and clarified together, are a valuable tool for supporting teamwork and the achievement of objectives.