With many companies following a more horizontal hierarchical structure, no employee can work in isolation. At any given moment you will need to know how to communicate effectively, whether with your own team or with members of another team. Besides, collaboration and teamwork lead to bigger organizational goals of quality improvement, product development and customer service.
The need
In any successful company, employees often come from a wide range of experiences, backgrounds and skills. This diversity can be beneficial for the workforce making teamwork and collaboration so important. But the differences can also lead to difficulties in working together.
For the new age employee, job skills go beyond what is daily and routine. Problem solving, reflection and constant upgradation of skills are critical for today’s employee.
The approach
Communication: Listen more, work towards avoiding conflict, trust and respect your teammates, and ask questions when in doubt. If you don’t understand something, go to the person who does.
Clarify roles: Everyone in a team has a responsibility and corresponding authority. If you are clear on what you have to accomplish, it is that much easier to reach your goals and hold someone accountable for their actions.
Feedback: In order to grow, it is important to know what you are doing well and where you can improve. Applaud a job well done, everyone loves to be appreciated. Be firm but gentle when giving constructive criticism. Explain how and where someone can improve.
Ask for help: When you are stuck somewhere and don’t know how to proceed, ask for help. Brainstorm ideas, share opinions and analyse the discussion. Make a decision once your analysis is complete. Your result will be richer than when you were trying to do it on your own.
