Tips for Team Effectiveness

       Working in teams can be difficult, but the following tips can help make your team more effective: (1) designate a leader (Lyle) even if leadership shifts occasionally (Byers); (2) define a clear unified purpose of the team (Byers); (3) set goals and deadlines (Byers); (4) divide work evenly (Lyle); (5) keep in contact with group (Lyle); (6) maintain open and respectful communication (Byers); and (7) make the most of teammates’ strengths (Lyle).

       A designated leader and unified purpose are essential for any team to be effective. A leader is needed to keep the team focused, motivated, and moving forward (Lyle). A change in leadership once in a while may also be beneficial. As Byers explains, “The issue is not who controls but how to get the job done” (Byers). It is also important that everyone in the group agrees and knows what the purpose of the team is so that goals and deadlines can be created and agreed upon (Byers).

       Setting goals and deadlines and dividing work evenly will keep team progress moving forward. Writing down goals and setting deadlines for milestones will build motivation, increase productivity, and help track progress (Byers). It is important for the group to discuss and agree how work should be divided to prevent unequal workloads and feelings of resentment toward those doing less. The more communication there is within a team, the more effective it will be (Lyle).

       One of the most important keys to an effective team is communication (Lyle). Communication should be consistent, open, and respectful (Byers). Make sure that everyone has every team member’s contact information. Teams can work most effectively when information, ideas, and feedback are shared freely and positively. Also, by getting to know team members, through open communication, the team can then use members’ abilities to the greatest advantage (Lyle).

       Overcome the challenges of working in a group and become an effective team by doing the following: (1) designate a leader (Lyle) even if leadership changes sometimes (Byers); (2) define a clear unified purpose of the team (Byers); (3) set goals and deadlines (Byers); (4) divide work evenly (Lyle); (5) keep in contact with the group (Lyle); (6) maintain open and respectful communication (Byers); and (7) make the most of teammates’ strengths (Lyle). Follow these tips, and see how your team’s effectiveness improves!

References
Byers. Characteristics of Effective Teams. Retrieved from Stanford University Web 
       site: http://www.stanford.edu/class/e140/e140a/effective.html

Lyle. Top Ten Tips for Teamwork. Retrieved from Top Ten Reviews Webs site:

       http://online- education-review.toptenreviews.com/top-ten-tips-for-
       teamwork.html