Another of the most common transferrable skills that I recently blogged about is teamwork (including from a team leader perspective). In just about all contexts – personal and professional, such as sport and business – teamwork is highly beneficial to the final outcome. In the work context, a business is more likely to innovate, deviate and flourish if positive teamwork is one of its primary pillars.
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”
(Michael Jordan, Former Professional Basketball Player)
In addition to the right kind of teamwork encouraging diversity as well as consistency, there are opportunities for individual team members to professionally develop and grow. Teamwork builds individual confidence and commitment, which often leads to higher levels of personal job satisfaction. A recent Stanford study reported that among the research participants within the team collaboration segment, they were 64% more likely to stick to their task – remaining engaged and enthusiastic – than the other segment of participants that had worked on their own.
Some of the main elements that will help to ensure successful teamwork are:
- Communications that encourage information sharing and additional assistance
- Foundational systems and procedures that foster proficiency and best-practice
- Strong leadership that could include strengths-based team member delegation
- Environments where various opinions and ideas are respected and appreciated
“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organisational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” (Andrew Carnegie, US Industrialist)
In your career documentation, think of key examples that highlight your ability to constructively consult and corroborate with others about core goals and objectives. This could be a task at work or a project in your studies, or a team activity you were involved in in your extracurricular activities. Have you proven your ability to take on board other people’s feedback to enhance the end result? Have you proactively put forward your views and suggestions to ensure all aspects have been considered? Have you actively motivated other team members for a comprehensive plan/vision?
Some of the key reasons why positive teamwork is business advantageous are:
- New ideas are uncovered
- Complex problems are solved
- Positive morale emerges
- Individuals feel empowered
- Unity and cohesion are evident
- Notable boost in productivity
- There are learning opportunities
From a team leadership perspective, consider whether you have demonstrated:
- Effective communications, to both inform and motivate
- Approachability and availability, to support as required
- Leading by example, founded on professional integrity
- Emotional intelligence, used to accurately delegate work
- Confidence and expertise, to build others capabilities
- Respect and fairness, to ensure a united team approach
- Innovation and inspiration, to broaden scope/boundaries
Whatever the context, carefully consider how you can showcase your ability to work in a team setting, which may be complementary to your ability to work autonomously as required. Actively appreciate and ‘sell’ the benefits that a positive teamwork approach can bring to your prospective employer.
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