TEAMWORKING

Teamwork Reviewed
Teamwork has played a vital role in almost every job I have had the privilege to work. London ambulance, Foreshore inspector, Lifeguard, self employed builder have all had to use the skills of each individual. Working together helps maintain a higher level of success. Teamwork is about bringing together each individuals skill, and experience, and using it to enable a group of people to complete given tasks.
One of the most rewarding times was when a young diver, at the local swimming pool, had dived in at the shallow end of the pool. He had gone too deep and hit is head onto the bottom of the pool. Immediately recognised by a lifeguard, a spinal injury was indicated to colleagues and the teamwork began. With confidence and experience the young lad was brought to the side, placed on a spinal board, and handed over to the emergency services. The young lad was transferred to a specialist spinal unit, in Scotland, and after 6 months of treatment was back at the pool competing.

Lifeguards spend a lot of their time rehearsing for worst case scenarios. To maximise success requires dedication and a good team.

Forming, Storming, Norming, performing
Dr Bruce Tuckman introduced this model in 1965. It explains that a team develops through maturity. Established relationships helps change leadership styles. The four stage model is:

1. Forming - The high dependence is on the leader, who is looked at for guidance and direction. It is the beginning part of building a team.
2. Storming - The team requires a focus on aims and goals. Each member attempts to establish themselves and their ability.
3. Norming - The team respond to each other, decisions are made and agreed. development and bonding play a big part.
4. Performing - Team members can achieve their task without the participation of the main leader. The team is able to resolve issues, and maintain a good working relationship within the team.

Tuckman refined his theory in 1975 and applied a fifth stage.

Adjourning is the break up of the group. When the task is complete each member will move on. (businessballs, 2009)

Teamwork during assignment

With the team, chosen for the assignment, each members ability and strengths were looked at. There was a finisher, two shapers, and a team leader. The team started out really confident, and the task was started. By the time the team had got to Norming, it was apparent that one member was lacking in effort. Motivation and communication failed and weaknesses started to show in the whole team. The fourth stage was never achieved due to focus only being on one member letting everyone down. Although the remaining three members finished the assignment, a strong sense of betrayal was felt.

Boots UK

Boots arerated as the sixth best big company to work for. staff feel appreciated and some have as much as sixteen years service alone. Teamwork is strongly encouraged, and is achieved through motivation, meetings, section activities and teamwork training.A sense of being part of a large family and the boots attitude towards staff, are some of the qualities that help make teamwork efficient.

Nando's

Nando's is the number one company to work for, according to a 2007 poll in times magazine. Encouraging staff to enjoy their jobs, a strong sense of family in their teams, and being treated as individuals help maintain a good teamwork spirit. Training and development help staff fulfill their potential, whilst a good relationship with management helps aswell.

Conclusion

Whilst a good relationship is required to help maintain a strong team, this is only successful with each team members understanding and assistance. A close bond between employer and employee is maintained through communication, training needs met, and encouragement to fulfill their full potential.

A break up of trust and communication results in a break up of the teamwork, and a sense of failure can prevent tasks being completed.

References

Businessballs.com, 2009. [Online] Available at: http://www.businessballs.com/tuckmanformingstormingnormingperforming.htm [Accessed on 8 May 2010]

Times on line, 2007 [Online] Available at: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/career_and_jobs/best_100_companies/ [Accessed on 8 May 2010]