Teamwork is made up of two words – team, which is a number of persons connected in some joint action or goal; and work, which is effort aimed at accomplishing something. Teamwork is, therefore, a cooperative effort by the members of a team who are working together in the interests of or to achieve a common cause. Teamwork allows people to rise above their individual dreams and aspirations. At the same time, you can view teamwork as the by-product of teamwork.
The best teams usually have leaders who recognize the individual strengths and weaknesses of its members. These leaders more often than not have the know-how to determine who does what and in what capacity. The best team members are those who know what skills they have. They understand the capabilities that they bring to the table. For teamwork to work in a real-life work environment, care must be taken to ensure that there exists an environment that promotes and supports the building of teams and the sense of team. How can this be done?
Management must allow and encourage healthy work friendships. By this, we refer not to the most commonly-known venting buddies, but rather work friendships that are positive and constructive. Some managers opt to utilize the "divide and conquer" approach among their employees, instead choosing to pit one employee against the other hoping to increase productivity. It will increase productivity in the short-term, but it will also build up competition and stress between the competing parties in the long-term. This is not really the healthy way to work, nor does it allow for teamwork among the employees to flourish.
Companies must designate an area in the workplace where people can eat lunch together, hang out and relax. These little recognized activities usually end up establishing a strong sense of team among employees. Sponsor social and sports events that will engage everyone. A happy employee is a productive worker. People are, by nature, social creatures. Working in teams is a characteristic that comes naturally to most people. Very few people are exceptions. Management should realize that it is to the company or organization's advantage and benefit to promote office teams, as long as the teams do not antagonize each other.
Most people seek a sense of belonging especially in the workplace. Being a part of a team will definitely give that. Let a person feel as if they belong and part of the battle has already been won. Work colleagues might not be like family, but the fact that you are all working for the same ideals can definitely turn things around in an organization.
