Tips for Team Effectiveness

                Working in a team or on a group project can be one the most stressful situations while going to school. In my research I have found three simple tips for becoming more effective in a group. They are communication, determine each other’s strengths, and make a plan.  

First communication; discuss as a group the most effective way to communicate. If it be text, e-mail, or video conferencing, use the one that everyone can agree upon. Make sure everyone knows how the communication will be done and stick to it. (Patterson, para. 3) When communicating with the group, remember to include everyone; if assignments are determined through a group e-mail, remember to “reply all” so all team members can see your response.

Second, determine the strengths of group members. Talk as a group about what you do best, then do it. Do not assign a task to someone who could do a different one better (Patterson, para. 4). Remember to be honest with yourself and the group; to make this tip effective, you must be honest. You may say that you are good at presenting when in reality you would do better organizing the flow of the information needing to be presented.

Third, make a plan. In your first meeting, make an outline for accomplishing the project (Heathfield, para. 3). Reference the requirement sheet when outlining as a way to double-check that you have met all requirements of the project. An outline also creates separations on where parts of the project can be divided. The outline provides an easy way to assign group members their specific area of focus in the project. 

So, the next time you receive a group assignment in class you will not need to worry because you have learned three simple tips. All you need to do is remember to communicate, use your strengths, and have a plan.  

References

Heathfield, S. M. (n.d.). About.com. Retrieved from Tips for Better Team Work?: http://humanresources.about.com/od/involvementteams/a/twelve_tip_team.htm

Patterson, M. (2010, September 2). Biznik. Retrieved from 7 Tips for Developing an Effective Team: http://biznik.com/articles/7-tips-for-developing-an-effective-team