EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN TEAMS

1. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN TEAMS

A team is like a machine—when all parts work together smoothly, it runs efficiently. But for that to happen, communication must be clear, open, and honest. Effective communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about listening, understanding, and making sure everyone is on the same page.

In a team, good communication helps prevent misunderstandings, builds trust, and strengthens relationships. It ensures that ideas are shared, problems are solved, and everyone feels valued. Without it, even the best teams can struggle with confusion, conflicts, and missed opportunities.

This chapter will explore the key elements of team communication, including active listening, clear messaging, feedback, and collaboration. By mastering these skills, teams can work together more efficiently, solve problems faster, and create a positive and productive work environment.

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2. What is team?

A team is defined as a group of people who perform interdependent tasks to work toward accomplishing a common mission or specific objective. Some teams have a limited life: for example, a project team developing a new product, or a continuous process improvement team organized to solve a particular problem. Others are ongoing, such as a department team that meets regularly to review goals, activities, and performance. The optimal team size is 4 to 7 people, which is excellent for productive interaction within the group. Each participant is responsible for fulfilling their obligations. Teammates have shared accountability and trust which form the basis for achieving common goals.

A unified approach to solving problems is very important because participants complement each other’s knowledge and skills expanding the team’s capabilities. In an effective team, roles are clearly distributed with the head setting tasks and coordinating the work.

 Organisational team network

For futher reading:

https://asq.org/quality-resources/teams?srsltid=AfmBOorFWrtXkIm86symOnD8V-jqnAdsrSiYyc5sBRag2zvzlekofMwb

For futher reading: https://trueconf.com/blog/reviews-comparisons/what-is-a-team

3. Types of teams

Teams are classified by such things as: purpose and objectives, structure and composition, duration and permanence.

Source: https://chatgpt.com/c/679345a6-da38-8004-ac73-2bb1f4e3260e

Team classification focused on purpose and objectives, includes:

Team classification focused on structure and composition, includes:

Team classification focused on duration and permanence, includes:

Read more on: https://www.runn.io/blog/types-of-teams

https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/teamwork-examples

4. Team communication: effective group collaboration and teamwork

Workplace communication is a powerful tool that can influence the success of an entire organization. In any relationship or setting, professional and personal, communication is crucial in maintaining peace and collaborating effectively.

Essentially what you communicate and how you frame it affects the way that others receive your message.

Why are communication and teamwork important?

Communication in groups is important because there is an increased risk of conflict, tension, and misunderstandings in the workplace without it. Good communication is vital because it is the foundation of a healthy culture and properly functioning team. When a team has excellent communication, all other aspects of a business can flourish. Conversely, if a team has difficulties with communication, all other elements are more likely to struggle or fail altogether.

For futher reading: https://www.crystalknows.com/blog/team-communication

https://hbr.org/2007/11/eight-ways-to-build-collaborative-teams

5. How does communication work in teams work?

Do not underestimate the effect that the quantity and quality of communication will have within a team. Frequent contact, such as one-on-one and other opportunities for two-way feedback, can help teams remain connected and on the same page. High-quality communication entails active listening, intentional and genuine words, and clarity in how team members vocalize their thoughts and ideas. In teams, non-verbal communication also plays a role in effective interactions; this includes eye contact, facial expressions, and body language and can help or hinder a conversation. A combination of quantity and quality, paired with mindful non-verbal communication, can significantly influence workplace culture.

For any organization, it is important to prioritize strong communication practices. Sometimes, that is easier said than done as each individual differs in their communication styles and preferences. It may be beneficial to learn about your team’s unique personalities to understand better how they need to be interacted with. Get started by having your team take a free personality assessment.

Read more on: https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/catalogs/tip-sheets/teamwork-skills-being-effective-group-member

https://www.lumapps.com/employee-experience/improve-teamwork-in-the-workplace

6. Teamwork communication formats and channels

Communication in group work will vary based on industry and role, but generally, there are two formats: written or verbal. Each team has its' unique combination of the two formats, through various channels, in a way that works best for their needs.

Read more on:

https://www.hrfuture.net/talent-management/culture/the-importance-of-good-team-communication/

There are four determining styles of communication in teamwork, which heavily influence how people interact with those around them. Each person has elements of each style within themselves but may notice that they resonate more strongly with one or another.

Read more on: https://staffbase.com/blog/internal-communication-channels-worst-to-first/ 

https://activecollab.com/business-instant-messaging-guide/types-of-communication-channels-and-styles-at-work

7. Additional resources for gamified learning

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