Teamwork Success - Essay Example

Generally, team success emphasizes the virtues of cooperating and the importance of making use of different strengths of team members (Levin, 2002).

Teamwork, I believe it contributes largely towards my success in the capstone course. This is because it increases competitiveness and productivity by resulting in superior work and goals (Reynolds, 1994). Teamwork further takes advantage of opportunities offered by technological advances (Hills, 2001). Working together for success improves individual commitment and motivation. To succeed and remain competitive, teams need to utilize each other fully and the available materials and equipment optimally.

Education and learning, such as the capstone course adoption of teamwork as a strategy of effective learning are important (Levin, 2002). Designs for learning need to include student-centered team-based studying and learning such as case-based, problem-based, and inquiry-based, and project-based scenarios. Teamwork and teams assist in promoting deep learning, which occurs through interaction, dialogue, collaboration, cooperation, and problem-solving. Members of a team should be flexible enough (Hills, 2001). There are several attributes for successful teamwork. First, there is a commitment to team success and shared goals for the project. Successful teams are engaged, aim to achieve results, and are motivated. Second, there is interdependence; members of a team create an environment where together they contribute much more as compared to individuals (Reynolds, 1994). Positive interdependence brings out the best of each individual enabling the team to achieve even far more as expected.

 Individual members encourage and promote fellow members to achieve, learn, and contribute. Third, there are interpersonal skills, which include the capability to discuss issues in open with other team members, be trustworthy, supportive, and honest, and show commitment and respect to indite vid members and the team at large. Forth there is open communication and positive feedback. Hills (2001), asserts that listening actively to the needs of members and valuing each other’s contribution and expression helps in creating an effective teamwork environment. Members of the team should be willing to receive and give constructive criticism and authentic feedback. Fifth, appropriate team composition is very essential in creating successful teamwork. Members of the team need to know and understand their specific roles and expectations. Finally, there is a need for commitment to team process, accountability, and leadership.

 To ensure success in my team for the capstone course, there are several methodologies that I have to put in place. First, leadership is important for any success. Every member has to be accountable for the contribution made to the project and the team. Members should be aware of the team process, new ideas, and best practices. Effective leadership is crucial for team success including problem-solving and shared decision-making processes (Levin, 2002). For my team to be successful, I also need to ensure that my work ethic is observed. Proper communication is vital since it will assist the members to understand the concept better. I emphasize trust and respect among the members so that they can feel free to contribute to the team project.

According to Reynolds (1994), building trust among team members is a very important methodology towards teamwork success. It is important that as team leader I define the duty of each member based on individual strength. The expectation of the project should also be clearly defined so that the members can stick to the scope of the project. Additionally, time commitment should be outlined so that each task has adequate time (Levin, 2002). Members of the team should not be overloaded with too many commitments and interruptions. A good follow-up should be made through the project by checking and noting down the milestones, progress, and challenges (Levin, 2002).

Members should be encouraged to stand up and lead. Individual members’ contribution becomes easy to come out, as the members feel free and encouraged. An open-door policy also adds to the courage of teams to speak and share freely. Members should be encouraged to assist and support one another (Reynolds, 1994). The sharing skill builds individual strength. Bonus tips and rewards make it further interesting as members get motivated, they become competitive and achieve better and superior goals. Rewards further make the project interesting rather than tiresome and boring. Through rewards, members feel recognized and appreciated, they get thanes of belonging in the team, and they feel responsible (Hills, 2001).

The attributes and methodologies highlighted are important in a capstone course as students get to appreciate one another and learn from each other. It further makes learning easier and enjoyable. Building a winning team requires commitment, cooperation, coordination, communication, and coaching (Reynolds, 1994). Team members who are committed see beyond their work and mind about the general work and goal (Levin, 2002). Teamwork success is a major motivator towards individual performance and should be encouraged to all.