Today's world is that of specialization. It may be a small
company, a department in a company, an office, a small shop, at play ground or even at home, we have to work as teams. We have to depend on the ability of our employees, to work as teams. Working together as a team is more difficult, since as a team member a person may behave differently, even in a troublesome manner. Team work involves communicating (between the group & also with others outside the group), interacting, thinking, coordinating, sharing information, motivating & then effectively helping each other, to solve the problems. Due to the challenges of working in teams, we should know the traits of
leadership required in the teams. In twenty Chapters contained in three parts, this book provides the reading material for various aspects of this subject, the tools needed for working as a team, exercises & examples. Part two of the book explains the process of
communication, & sending & receiving the messages which can be clearly & correctly received & understood. It is a very important tool, whether in verbal or written form. At the same time, we must be able to listen carefully, & participate in the meetings. The author also narrates, some common
barriers to verbal communications (e.g. translation barriers, knowledge barriers, use of slang or jargon), & non-verbal communication barriers (e.g. body language, format etc.)
Part three discusses the subject of working effectively in teams. Team formation has different stages of development. If positive standards for behaviour or attitudes are set, it will lead to cohesive teams. Different members of a team may exhibit positive or negative attitudes, which may help or stall, the progress of the works. It is the job of leaders, to manage &
motivate their team members. For this purpose, we should use skills of effective Communication, resolving of conflicts, creating trust, adapting & playing different styles of work. However, the team members should be allowed to express their opinions & attitudes, in a free, frank & open manner, along with a proper feedback, for ensuring a united team. Any team may have conflict(s). All repeat all the members of the team, should help in resolving the conflict, & those involved in the conflict should be responsible enough to reconcile. To solve such problems, the author advises, using & facilitating the reflective-thinking problem solving technique. Also for taking effective group decisions, the author advises, selecting & then effectively participating, using the Nomitive group technique, the Delphi technique or any of the Advocate techniques. Then we should monitor the performance of the team & the individuals, & utilize the feedback information for implementation purposes, & also conduct formal performance evaluations.This abstract writer during his management career, had been involved with working of several teams, & faced & resolved their problems. With proper & unbiased listening, tactfully handling & resolving the problems, extraordinary results can be achieved through team work. It is considered that this book will be very useful & helpful, in improving performance of teams at all places, like office, home, play ground & elsewhere.
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