1 Why are we still talking about teamwork?

How do you feel about working in a team? Watch this excerpt from The IT Crowd [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] and consider your own attitude to teams.

The manager in this clip is certainly very keen that his employees are able to work in teams and makes it clear that to succeed in his business being able to work as a team is absolutely vital to continued employment. Why do you think he wants his employees to have this skill and conversely why do you feel they are reluctant to work in this way?

We don’t all love working in teams yet we tend to say we do on our CV. Have a look at your CV now if you have a copy. Do you mention team skills and if so what have you said about this? Do you feel positive when you know you are going to be working in a team or do you in reality experience a sinking feeling that you can’t admit to an employer if you want to successfully secure the job?

Figure 1 Job adverts asking for teamwork

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Figure 1 shows a page of job roles asking for teamwork skills such as Team Manager, Team Leader, Supervisor, Service Manager, etc. Underneath each role is a description of the characteristics and traits required for that role, as well as the location of the job. The role of Team Manager is highlighted with a box around it. The description for this role reads: Our best and most inspiring leaders have a natural ability to: Building a strong team spirit and a network of relationships that stretches beyond the store. You’ll be a role model, helping colleagues to know and love our products and services. You’ll get to grow your own team – by spotting talent and giving them the feedback and support they need to be their best. Location: Ocford.

Figure 1 Job adverts asking for teamwork

Next you will hear about why teamwork is so important for employers.