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Work in a team
The success of a business is partially due to how effectively the workplace operates as a team.
A team is a group of people who share activities and duties.
It is not only a business that benefits from workplace teams but individual members also benefit. Effective teamwork:
- provides a forum to share ideas and opinions.
- has responsibilities which can be shared and provides support and help for the members. The retail workplace is an innovative and rapidly changing workplace. With a more cooperative and supportive workplace, changes will have less impact on staff, and their customers will benefit from higher standards.
- allows members to benefit from multi skilling - this means people learn to do a wide range of jobs. Multi skilling is fast becoming a necessity as employers are now expecting their staff to be skilled in a number of areas.
Characteristics of effective teamwork
Teamwork is not something that just happens in a workplace. It needs to be fostered. To participate actively and positively within a workplace team, the communication skills of its members are very important.
Assertiveness
Assertiveness is a desirable characteristic in a person. To be assertive does not mean to be aggressive or dominant. A person who is assertive can work in a team offering their point of view, whilst considering the views of others. An assertive person:
- puts across their point of view clearly and honestly.
- respects the right of all members of the team to be heard.
- is able to say NO.
- is able to admit their mistakes.
Listening skills
The art of listening is extremely important in effective teamwork. All members of a team must be able to listen to each other, even if they disagree with what is being said. Effective listening skills have been discussed earlier and the process of active listening needs to be employed at all times.
Speaking
In a team situation, people need to speak openly and honestly. Everyone should be encouraged to freely express their opinions, thoughts, feelings and needs. To be successful, the atmosphere created in the workplace needs to be supportive and one that encourages people to admit their mistakes and value everyone's input.
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