TEAM WORK

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Picture by: Kellebass

A quote by Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish industrialist about team work states that “Teamwork is the ability to work together towards a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments towards organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” In order for an organization to be successful in accomplishing an objective it is vital for that organization to have employees who are as equally motivated towards achieving that objective. Diversity or individuality among the employees is a major asset it can use to obtain maximum productivity and quality products and service. This is the reason why multi-billion dollar companies such as Google are working towards a more diverse work environment. Data released by Google as of Jan 2015 shows that woman holds 30% of Google’s jobs. White employees account for 60% of the work force while Asian account for 31%, Black 2% and Hispanic 3%.

While diversity brings the advantage of a pool of ideas it also brings disadvantages such as racial, religious disputes among the employees. To not have such disputes would make it easier for a leader to inspire them to work as a team. It is evident that in order to become a successful entrepreneur you must have the ability to build and inspire a team. 

TYPES OF TEAMS
From a very young age we are introduced to the notion of team work and how it will help us as well the people who we interact with. When we go to the playground to play or when a task is given by the teacher in school, we are advised to do the activities together and share the tools that we use as well as our knowledge among our colleagues. In the playground the teacher gives the choice to take initiative among the students as the leader of a team to select other members of the team for a football match. We select our closest friends and also that one kid who is really good at playing soccer. In this way gradually our skills are tested and improved. As a leader or a member we have become a part of several teams, mostly for a short term interaction. We may have been a member of a team joined together to celebrate a birthday party or to celebrate New Year. We may have also been a leader or a member of a team in a company where a specific problem was presented to be taken care of or a part of a pool of people from different departments of the same company to introduce a product. Below are the 3 common types of teams.

Functional
Also known as departmental teams, functional teams are those group of people who meet on a regular basis from the same work place or department.
Cross-functional
A group of people consisting of different skills from different departments or jobs.
Special Purpose
This type of team is temporary and lasts for as long for the task that is to be completed is done. For example the government appoints a special task force to carry out necessary work.

The other characteristic that distinguish one team from the other is the size of the team. There are small teams that consist of 2 to 4 members and larger teams that consist of 12 or more members. Below are some advantages and disadvantages of having a small or large team. 

Small team
Large team
Advantages
A leader can focus more time on each member of the team.
More ideas will be shared.
Discussions can be carried out easily therefore there will be fast decision making.
Decision will be made based on majority therefore there will be more acceptance of decisions made.
Since communication is more effective, each member of the team will collaborate and therefore produce a shared vision (Nagele, 2005).
Can carry out a bigger plan that requires more skills, knowledge and man power.
Disadvantages
Compared to a larger team a small team would have limited amount of skills and knowledge to share.
Have to deal with more conflicts due to differences in opinion.
When many tasks have to be done, when shared among a small team, it will be very stressful.
Decision making takes more time.
Difference in comfort zones may result in one person having to dirty their hands more than 
everyone else.
Risk of the formation of sub groups as well as individuals taking on the leader role that would result is disputes with the members and leader.

BENEFITS OF TEAM WORK
For an individual who is working towards success in his or her career, being a team player plays an important role. Below are some of the skills a person will require to be a team player. 
  1.  Ability to work with others.
  2. Ability to work towards a common objective.
  3. Resourceful.
  4. Able to build trust among colleagues.
  5. Negotiation skills.
  6. Able to take criticism in an amicable manner.
Having team players in a work group would make it easier for the leader to assign work and get it done in due time. Also it will help the team to get motivation from each other as well. Being a reliable team player will not only help the team to achieve its objectives but also will help the person to develop his or her skills. Self-awareness, enthusiasm and problem-solving skills can be obtained by working as a team.