I'm sure we've all been part of a team, agile or not. Have you ever tried to define Teamwork though?
If you look it up in a dictionary you'll probably find something like this:
"Teamwork; the process of working collaboratively with a group of people to achieve a goal."
However, if you have ever been a member of an actual team before, you already understand how simple this definition is.
Andrew Carnegie used to say: "Teamwork is the ability to work together towards a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments towards organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."
Based on that, I would like to give my definition:
"Teamwork; the action of a group working together towards a shared vision,
creating a favourable working atmosphere and encouraging each other to combine their knowledge to achieve high team performance."
Either way, it becomes pretty clear that there can be many benefits deriving from Teamwork. Let's take a look at four of those:
Teamwork makes room for the flourishing of ideas
In a proper team environment, there is some level of comfort and trust that improves communication, allowing you to express your opinion and thoughts. Team members are encouraged to brainstorm collectively and exchange ideas and different perspectives, which in turn helps them arrive at solutions more efficiently and effectively.
Teamwork helps to share knowledge
Working in a team means that each member is a single informational source. Teamwork makes it easier to learn from one another's mistakes, to explain complex concepts or to answer questions more quickly. The more experienced members share their unique skills and knowledge and promote the team's performance even more.
Teamwork builds morale
When different members make suggestions that improve productivity, trust and confidence thrive within the team. One thing is for sure, that each team member has something unique to offer. And right there, you'll feel your work is valued, as well as a strong sense of belonging and deep commitment to your partners and your shared vision.
Teamwork ensures victorious project completion
Working together means splitting difficult tasks into smaller and more attainable ones that you can complete more efficiently. At the same time, while the workload is shared, you can ensure that you implement tasks within a predefined time frame. More than that, each member can work on the part that suits them best. Thus, your team achieves a higher quality of the overall project on a more consistent basis.
Your turn
Have you ever come across these teamwork benefits?
Is it worth it to ensure Teamwork on board?
To find out, try to become a real team player with simple actions and always keep in mind what they say;
If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
Till next time,
D.
