4.1 Benefits of teamwork
You’ve already considered some of the advantages of teamwork from an employer’s perspective, such as enhanced creativity and employee job satisfaction. But these assets are also beneficial for the individual. In the words of famous author and disability rights advocate Helen Keller:
Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.
In the next activity, you’ll have an opportunity to reflect on your own team experiences in a more positive light.
Activity 5 Assessing the benefits you’ve experienced
Reflecting on your own experience of working in a team, read through the benefits listed below and think about which stand out most for you.
Benefits of teamwork
- Shared creativity can lead to better ideas
Brainstorming leads to new ideas. A group working well together will be more creative than any individual working alone.
- Team members can draw on each other's different strengths and perspectives
Everyone brings different skills, and diversity of experience and background. An effective team is able to draw on all of those different skills and explore things from a perspective that may not be their own but may be shared by their customers.
- Team members can learn from each other
Every time a new way of doing things is shared, each individual learns something different. Teamwork fosters learning in an organisation.
- Everyone can share in the achievement when a team goal is reached
Creating work together can be more fulfilling and make individuals feel more connected to the company goals. They can see how their contribution works as part of the bigger picture and feel pride in what they do.
- Team members share decision making risks
Lone individuals may not want to raise their head above the parapet and take a risk on an untried idea but in a group where consensus is reached there may be more willingness to share ‘out of the box’ thinking and try something new. It is here that real innovation can happen.
- Colleagues can motivate each other and provide support with difficult tasks
When responsibility is shared, team members can fill in for each other when needed, keeping project delivery on time. If one part of a task is particularly difficult then the support of other team members can provide the motivation an individual needs.
- Tasks are completed more quickly
The saying goes ‘many hands make light work’. In a team, people are able to play to their strengths, and time and energy are not wasted performing tasks they do not excel at.
- There can be greater acceptance of team decisions
If the group has come to a consensus regarding the way forward, the chances are that there will be more people who support this idea. This can be particularly helpful for managing change.
Now use this space to note down those most meaningful to you and then add any other benefits which you feel are not reflected here.
Comment
Even if you feel uncomfortable in a team situation, you will be able to recognise some of the benefits listed above. Recognising that you and your fellow team members might experience these advantages can be useful when you’re assessing whether your team is a good one or not. You’ll explore team function and dynamics later in the course.
Next you will think about the different types of team you may encounter in the workplace.