Team Work

Building productivity is vitally important to the success of a company. To achieve productivity, employers need to motivate their employees to work as a team toward specific goals. The question is how to do this.

Personal responsibility, ownership, involvement, communication, recognition, and reward are building blocks to greater productivity. Sometimes, however, managers encounter a reluctant employee who doesn't want responsibility or involvement in decision making. All this employee appears to want is to be left alone to do his job and pick up a check at the end of the week.

Many times, this person becomes a barrier to productivity because he is not part of the teamwork ethic that can move a department or company forward. Individuals who are self-serving and ego-driven also can be a problem in terms of group motivation.The team managers play a vital role in handling these kinds of employees.Good managers need to understand the forces that motivate people to greater performance. They have to understand the nature and goals of their people and begin to weld together a team that transcends individuals.

Based on my experiences and also with other people I know, i suggest the following ideas to be an effective team member.

Communicate
If you have a problem with someone in your group, talk to him about it. Letting bad feelings brew will only make you sour and want to isolate yourself from the group. Not only does it feel good to get it out, but it will be better for the team in the long run.

Don't Blame Others
People in your group lose respect for you if you're constantly blaming others for not meeting deadlines. You're not fooling anyone, people know who isn't pulling his weight in a group. Pointing the finger will only make you look cowardly. Group members understand if you have a heavy workload and weren't able to meet a deadline. Saying something like, "I'm really sorry, but I'll get it to you by the end of today." will earn you a lot more respect than trying to make it seem like it's everyone else's fault that you missed your deadline.

Support Group Member's Ideas
If a teammate suggests something, always consider it – even if it's the silliest idea you've ever heard! Considering the group's ideas shows you're interested in other people's ideas, not just your own. And this makes you a good team member. After all, nobody likes a know-it-all.

No Bragging
It's one thing to rejoice in your successes with the group, but don't act like a superstar. Doing this will make others regret your personal successes and may create tension within the group. You don't have to brag to let people know you've done a good job, people will already know. Have faith that people will recognize when good work is being done and that they'll let you know how well you're doing. Your response? Something like "Thanks, that means a lot." is enough.

Listen Actively
Look at the person who's speaking to you, nod, ask probing questions and acknowledge what's said by paraphrasing points that have been made. If you're unclear about something that's been said, ask for more information to clear up any confusion before moving on. Effective communication is a vital part of any team, so the value of good listening skills shouldn't be underestimated.

Get Involved
Share suggestions, ideas, solutions and proposals with your team members. Take the time to help your fellow teammates, no matter the request. You can guarantee there will be a time in the future when you'll need some help or advice. And if you've helped them in past, they'll be more than happy to lend a helping hand.