Career Skills Video: Teamwork
Transcript:
Teamwork
VO: Teamwork. Whether it's in the office or on the field, whether it's a team of two or a team of hundreds, teamwork is an essential part of most careers. Being a member of a team requires a wide array of communication and people skills, from active listening to innovative thinking to the ability to encourage others. The teams that succeed are the ones that understand what each member can contribute, that play to each members' strengths and work to overcome their weaknesses.
In other words, working as part of a team, we often can accomplish much more than we could individually. But only if the team members know how to work together.
CAREER EXPERT: Most jobs in today's market require you to work as part of a team on a daily basis. Employers often rank “being a team player” as one of the most sought-after skills in new employees. They want people who will get along with others, who know how to communicate effectively and make compromises. One of the best ways to stand out is to learn how to fit in and work well with others.
VO: Of course every team is different. You might be working informally with one or two people, or you might be coordinating the efforts of dozens of workers across multiple departments.
Regardless of your team's goals or composition, however, there are several qualities any team needs to be successful: Cooperation among members of the team. Respect for people's opinions and differences. Encouragement, especially when the team encounters obstacles or difficulties. Members who are dependable, who can be counted on to do their fair share, and honest and open channels of communication.
EXPERT: In a group dynamic or team situation, people take on different roles. When these roles are respected and well balanced, it can make the group more effective. Problems usually arise when a member of the group doesn't do his or her fair share, or when somebody's contributions aren't appreciated. One of the keys to being successful is recognizing the role you are most likely to play on a team and then making the most of your strengths.
FRANK: All right. We need to come up with a marketing campaign for our new software line. Anyone have any ideas?
IRIS: Actually, I was thinking we should go cinematic with this one— create sixty-second short films with shots of the software in action, bold letters, dramatic music—we get that guy—the voice-over guy who does all the action movies—really ham it up.
CHRISTINA: I'm not sure we have the budget for that. Are you thinking television time? I think we need to be realistic here. It might not be worth the cost.
IRIS: I'm just throwing it out there.
FRANK: What do you think, Charlie?
CHARLIE: I actually think it's a great idea. We get a lot more positive feedback from video than we do print.
PEDRO: Plus we already have partnerships with several websites, and I've got a contact at the local station that might be able to hook us up with some airtime. Um. I'm supposed to meet with him this week anyways.
FRANK: What do you think, Christina?
CHRISTINA: I still think it's going to cost too much—but I can see where it might pay off in the end.
CHARLIE: Exactly.
FRANK: Excellent. Let's get started then.
VO: Not all teams look the same as that one. They don't all have the same roles, and in some cases, one person may fill a number of roles, being a planner and team leader, for example, or an innovator and critic both. The important thing is that each member of the team finds a way to contribute.
EXPERT: The key to good teamwork is getting everyone involved. Encourage everyone to participate, even just to disagree. But then find some consensus, set some goals, and divide the work so that everyone is doing their part.
Also be sure to support each other. Don't start assigning blame or dismissing each other's ideas. It's all right to disagree, but do so respectfully. The key is to work together to find the best possible solution to the problem at hand. That requires negotiation and working toward compromise.
VO: In today's global economy, negotiation and compromise are especially valuable skills. Teams are increasingly diverse. This diversity can be valuable, as it allows for different perspectives. Often times a variety of backgrounds and perspectives can lead to creative solutions.
It takes a team of people to design a computer, to build a skyscraper, to launch a rocket, or to fight a disease. As industrialist and visionary Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." Nearly every great accomplishment in history required teamwork, as will many of your own future accomplishments. Take a moment and consider the following.