What makes a team?

A team is when two or mor people who work or play together to reach a common goal.

The goal might be to win a game of softball, to create a piece of artwork or to win a quiz. People on a team coordinate the tasks they do and cooperate to achieve their goal.

Teamwork is an excellent way for people to share what they know.

While one member of the team may not know all that is needed, two or more together might . For example, when playing a game of football, some of team members may be better runners, others make great attack players, others are stronger and make great defenders and others are good at shooting goals.

They bring their skills together and achieve things as a team that they couldn’t do alone.

Two things that you need to have a successful team. One is – how well the team as a whole achieves its goal. The other is how well each individual team member contributes to the group.

This can be illustrated by the following examples:

A netball team wins the game but a couple of players kept the ball to themselves, so that some team members didn’t get to be part of the play. That’s not a successful team.

On the other hand, each member of the team might get an even share of the ball but they might not work well together. That is not successful team either.

If the team wants to do well, each member must work hard and work together to win the game. Individual commitment to a team effort is what makes a team work.

Working in teams can be rewarding because big goals can be achieved. It feels good to achieve something as a team.

At other times working in a team can be difficult and frustrating. Different people approach problems in different ways. It can be very tricky to combine everyone’s ideas of what would work best. It is important to listen carefully, keep your cool and find a compromise.

For a team to be successful, there are some important responsibilities that team members need to undertake. These responsibilities are similar whether the team is a sports team or a volunteer organisation. Team members should encourage each other to be committed to their responsibilities. Team responsibilities encourages individuals to try their best so they don't let the rest of the team down.

GET INVOLVED - As a member of a team, make sure you combine your ideas and skills. Share suggestions, problems you've noticed and possible solutions with fellow team members. Be willing to try things that others suggest to you. Take the time to help your team mates, no matter what the request.

TRY YOUR BEST - Whatever role you have in a team, whether it's a position in netball or football or working in a group project, try to do your very best. When everyone is working hard together and each part is done well, the team achieves more.

SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS - If a team member suggests something, always consider it-even if you think it's the silliest idea you've ever heard! Considering that team's idea shows you're interested in other people's ideas. not just your own. Hopefully,others will show the same respect when you give suggestions.

LISTEN ACTIVELY - Look at the person who's speaking to you, nod, ask questions and acknowledge what is said. If you're unclear about something that has been said, ask the person what they mean to clear up any confusion. Good communication is an important part of any team. Good listening skills are also very important.

DON'T ISOLATE OR EXCLUDE ANYONE - Everyone has something valuable to offer and nobody likes being left out.