Blogging About Communication

We often need to work with others to make decisions, solve problems, and accomplish specific goals. In effect, we function as a team with each of the individuals we work with performing a particular role with respect to the others and works with them, cooperating to achieve a desired end.

What Actions Make a Team a Dream Team?

The best teams displayteam emotional intelligence, displaying a set of practices that meet the needs of the people on the team. Team members recognize, understand, and manage emotions within the team and when the team interacts with others. The best teams also adhere to established group norms—the “do’s and don’ts” that regulate the behavior of members and make it possible for them to work together to reach their goals. Additionally, the best teams commit to preparing as a team, understand the dynamics of their development, and have members who participate actively, performing helpful membership and leadership roles.

What Actions Make a Team a Nightmare?

Communicating in a team can become frightful if members focus on performing roles that are self-serving rather than helpful. Among harmful member roles are the blocker (disagreeing with others to keep anything from being accomplished), the aggressor (criticizing or blaming others for a lack of progress), the personal recognition seeker (needing to be the center of attention), the dominator (insisting on getting one’s way), and the jokester (engaging in horseplay). Each of these roles diminishes the team’s chances of success.

How can You Tell if Your Team is Healthy?

If you can answer the following question with a yes, you’re on a healthy team.

1. Do members support one another?
2. Do members make decisions together?
3. Do members trust one another?
4. Is communication open and candid?
5. Does the team aim to excel?
6.  
7. Your Action Plan
8. Identify the kinds of roles you perform when part of a team. Think about ways you can stress your strengths to help the team realize its goals. Also consider the weaknesses that you and other team members have. Strategize regarding the steps you can take to prevent member weaknesses from impeding the team’s operation and outcomes.