Team spirit calls for unity, cohesion and solidarity among its members. A team is a moving, living and dynamic force. The members of a team are all different, but together they create a new entity that has its own characteristics. It is on the strengths and capabilities of this entity that the likelihood of success of their projects rests.
In other words, the quality of work carried out by a team depends on the quality of the work carried out individually by each member.
One of the best ways to develop team spirit is to get your colleagues to commit to the group's collective objectives. These objectives must stimulate everyone's participation, but above all enthusiasm and positive energy.
Teamwork is all tasks carried out as a group, with a common goal. Everyone's participation in collective tasks contributes to achieving this objective.
Working in a group means working with a concern for harmony and effectiveness of actions. Members must demonstrate listening and cooperation. They seek consensus for decision-making. Problem solving is done by focusing on solutions rather than relying on inaction or blame. Finally, communication between people is effective, positive, honest, precise, concise, and omnipresent. Everyone feels responsible and important within the organization, and works to the maximum of their abilities.
How to achieve better results as a team?
”The larger the group, the less satisfied the members are because communication difficulties increase. Participants are less likely to express their points of view equally.” * (Golembiewski, 1962: Thomas and Fink, 1963)
Based on this observation, a team must be composed of a limited number of members to be effective, while having complementary skills. The optimal size according to some researchers would be five (5) to six (6).
It is in fact with this number that interactions are most productive. Everyone has the chance to express themselves, and the division of labor is done without losing the overall perception of the objectives to be achieved. Internal, relational and structural problems are also more easily resolved.
*: While Slater in 1958 and Hare in 1962 concluded that “5 is really the ideal number for a team”, Holloman and Hendrick (1971) favor the number 6. Source: Teamwork; Roger Mucchielli 2007
A dynamic team
In the ideal team, each member has a role that matches that of the other teammates. The whole is stronger than the sum of its parts. Furthermore, the meeting of objectives benefits not only the entity represented, but also individually to all its members, who see this as confirmation of the effectiveness of their contribution.
The importance of the atmosphere within the team:
A team dedicated to its objectives, well managed and well composed, will only be completely effective if it operates in a healthy work climate.
Team spirit is necessary to develop synergy in the face of pitfalls, uncontrollable circumstances and unforeseen events. Faced with pressure, stress and a deadline, a united team is stronger and more effective. Far from being paralyzed by challenges, she is rather stimulated and enthusiastic when faced with challenges.
Our training aims to increase everyone's skills, in order to interact effectively as a team.
Members will have the chance to develop the following points:
• Authentic communication;
• Respectful listening;
• Making decisions on the basis of mutual consent;
• Recognition and use of everyone's talents;
• Solidarity and mutual aid.
The roles of receiver and transmitter in a team.
Each member of the team is important for the personal contribution they provide. However, the group atmosphere must be conducive to fluid and honest communication. Each member must feel able to express themselves freely and confidently. In return, listening is just as important. It is therefore essential, for everyone to be heard and understood, that each member adopts the roles of receiver and transmitter at the appropriate time.
To properly listen and understand what the transmitter is communicating, the receiver must:
• Adopt an open and interested attitude;
• Let the other person express themselves until the end;
• Ensure a good understanding of the ideas expressed by the sender by asking questions or reformulating the ideas expressed;
• Demonstrate empathy by striving to understand the reality and perception of the sender.
To express themselves in such a way as to be listened to and understood, the sender must:
• Express yourself concisely and precisely so as not to interfere with others' speaking time;
• Use accessible language;
• Establish positive non-verbal contact with a friendly tone, a frank look and a healthy attitude that promotes good communication.
Different communication exercises are offered by our trainers. These exercises make it possible to reinforce and confirm behaviors already well established in a team, as well as to correct communication problems which hinder the achievement of objectives. Eliminating communication obstacles increases the efficiency and profitability of teams, in addition to guaranteeing a healthy and stimulating work climate for everyone.
