Perhaps you are not quite convinced that teams are a sound work strategy or you are trying to convince some stalwarts of the benefits of working together as a team.
Studies show that organizations that effectively use teams can expect to see increases in productivity, service, quality, employee morale, and reduction of overhead.
But there are other, less tangible benefits as well.
The benefits of working together as a team are that the team can:
Do the Unthinkable. They can solve problems that have stumped the expert; improve broken processes that have been a major source of waste and rework; implement plans that couldn’t be done. Because they are creative and synergistic, effective teams can save your organization between three to ten times their cost in time and support.
Go Where No Man Has Gone Before. Teams break down the boundaries or “silos” that separate functions within your organization. Teams create interactions between diverse people, both horizontally (across functions, processes, or even organizations) and vertically (up and down the organization — from the “big banana” to the front-line employee). Teams get people talking, learning, and taking action together.
Be Fast and Flexible. Teams can be more responsive to changing customer needs and a competitive environment. A team of people with the right skills, resources and direction can come together quickly to achieve great results.
Make Things Simple. Teams can take a challenging, complex project and sort out the details and problems. Rather than placing the load (and the blame) on one person, everyone shares the burden and the rewards.
Make Better Decisions. If one person has all the answers, you don’t need a team. But two (or more) heads are better than one. When you have more than one person thinking about a problem or issue, ideas flow, and creativity sparks. New possibilities are generated. And when implementers are part of the decision-making process, they are much more committed to a successful outcome.
Hug Each Other. There are emotional benefits in having teams — even if some of us don’t like to admit it. Teams provide a sense of belonging, helping people appreciate where they fit and how they contribute to the organization’s goals. When working as a team, people support and encourage each other, understand each other better and communicate more effectively.
Still don’t believe it? Recognize the benefits to you, the individual working within the team. In a well-run team, you can expect to be part of the decision-making process, sharing responsibility and rewards. Team members often have higher morale, less stress, greater involvement, commitment, self-esteem, and job satisfaction, and a shared sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.
Related Articles:
Active Listening: The Key to Enhance Teamwork
The Team Launch: The Most Important Step to Start a Successful Team
