A team is a group of individuals working together for a common purpose. The team members ideally comprise common goals, objectives and thoughts.

In a team, compatibility among the members matters a lot, because individuals who are not compatible with each other can never form a team. They should have similarities, if not the same interests, likes, thought process, attitude and perception.

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Management is essentially present in every walk of life. Even what we eat should be managed, because we can’t just put anything in our mouth. One needs to be cautious. In the same way, a team must be managed effectively to expect the best from the team members. The team leader plays an important role in managing their team well.

Benefits of teamwork

Fosters creativity and learning:

Creativity thrives when people work together in a team. Brainstorming ideas as a group prevents stale viewpoints that often come out of working solo. Combining unique perspectives from each team member leads to more effective selling solutions.

What one learns from their individual experiences is influenced by their co-worker. Thus, teamwork also maximises shared knowledge in the workplace and helps one learn skills that they can use for the rest of their career.

Collaborating on a project creates an enthusiasm for learning, which solitary work usually lacks. Being able to share discoveries with the rest of their team excites employees and fosters both individual and team knowledge.

Blends complimentary strength:

Working together allows employees to build on the talents of their teammates. While one’s strength may be creative thinking, a co-worker might shine in organisation and planning. One should not hesitate to share their abilities with their team.

Often, a team works well together because the members rely on each other to bring individual talents to the table. By observing the process behind these skills, the members can learn how to combine their gifts and become stronger as a team. Every time one sees their co-workers utilise a different approach in sales, they have a chance to adjust or improve their methods.

Teaches Conflict Resolution skills:

Conflicts inevitably occur when a group of unique people come together. Employees come from varied backgrounds and have different work styles and habits. While these unique viewpoints generate success, they can also create resentment that quickly turns into conflict.When conflict arises in teamwork situat ions, employees are forced to resolve the conflicts themselves instead of turning to the management.

Builds trust:

Trusting one’s teammates, too, provides a feeling of safety that allows ideas to emerge. It helps employees open up and encourage each other. Open communication is the key when working in a team, and produces effective solutions in difficult group projects.

In the absence of trust, a team crumbles and cannot succeed in assigned projects. Great teams build each other up and strengthen individual members to create a cohesive group. By working together, employees learn that victories and losses affect everyone in the team. Teamwork necessitates confidence in each other’s distinct abilities.

Promotes a wider sense of ownership:

Team projects encourage employees to feel proud of their contributions. Tackling obstacles and creating notable work together makes team members feel fulfilled.

Teamwork is not just helpful for employees. It also benefits the employer in the long run. Employees that connect directly with their workplace are more likely to stay with the company. While employees leaving their jobs often cite a lacking salary, another common complaint is that their contributions do not seem to matter.

Teamwork allows people to engage with the company and add to the bigger picture.

(The author is the senior director, Institute of Management Studies (IMS), Noida)