Teamwork of the 'Three Idiots Crossing the Valley'

      Co-operation and Collaboration

  “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”

We can achieve so much if we are a team. But, what's a team?

Team

I would describe teamwork by using the acronym TEAM - Together Everyone Accomplishes More. Google explains it as "A feeling or attitude of devoted attachment and affection."

If that is 'Team', then what is 'Team Work' ?

TeamWork

Teamwork can be defined as "a joint action by a group of people, in which each person subordinates his or her individual interests and opinions to the unity and efficiency of the group." 

This does not mean that the individual is no longer important; however, it does mean that effective and efficient teamwork goes beyond individual accomplishments. The most effective teamwork is produced when all the individuals involved harmonize their contributions and work towards a common goal.

For example, if you take your hand and spread out your fingers, each of your fingers possesses the strength of a single digit. But if you clench them together into a fist, they become much more powerful.

Characteristics of Effective Teams.

The following are eight characteristics of effective teams:

1. The team must have a well defined goal. 
2. The team must be results-driven.
3. The team must have competent team members. 
4. The team must have commitment. 
5. The team must have collaboration. 
6. The team must have unanimous standards. 
7. The team must receive support and encouragement. 
8. The team must have a leader.

We shall try to understand how team work manifests with the help of an example :

As is evident in the above picture, three people are trying to cross a valley which is deep and risky to cross.But, team work along with the help of a pole made it possible.If each of the three tried to cross the valley with his own efforts, it would not have been possible.

It is also clearly visible that :

1. Every person had a similar role to play i.e. equal share of the responsiblity,burden and risk
2. Each person was completely involved in the process
3. Synergy was neccessary to execute the task
4. Each of them needed the same anount of stamina and nothing less
5. Effective co-ordination and communication is also critical

The lessons learnt from the above theory on Team, Teamwork and the practical example stated above, can be summarised in terms of what benefits teamwork can bring for a mutually supportive group :

  

Benefits of team work

• Improvements in participants' confidence, attitudes, motivation and 

  personal satisfaction
• Greater clarity in expressing ideas through discussion
• Better understanding by individuals of the nature of their contribution – 

  and of the needs of other team members 
• More efficient use of resources – especially time
• Greater optimism – by focusing on positive outcomes and putting less 

  weight on problems
• A wider range of ideas rather than individuals working in isolation
• More effective responses to changes – improved trust and 

  communication help a team to adapt to new circumstances