Team communication strategies and effectiveness

¶ … team communication.

Specifically it will address both the benefits and challenges of working in teams in relationship to team communication, and examine how teams can enhance their performance in the team communication topic. Team communication is critical to ensure that each team member understand the goals of the organization and are working toward those goals. In addition, good team communication means that if there are questions or concerns about the goal, they are addressed before the team moves forward.

It is clear the benefits of good team communication are many. The team is on the same page, but understanding and sharing common goals also can make the team stronger and more effective in reaching those goals, because it makes all the team members feel valued and necessary to the final outcome. The benefits to working in teams and using team communication are boundless, but as with any activity, there are also challenges when developing team communication in teams.

First, it may be helpful to define teamwork. Three authors note, "A team has been defined as 'a distinguishable set of two or more people who interact, dynamically, interdependently and adaptively toward a common and valued goal/objective/mission'" (Schraagen, Chipman, & Shalin, 2000, p. 404). Thus, any team communication should be open and feel safe to the team members, and this could be a challenge in developing honest communication that includes disagreement and discussion. It should also be designed so the team members can interact effectively and work toward that common goal the team knows and shares.

Good team communication can be extremely valuable in any team environment, but much of the communication depends on how team members perceive their team leader, and what kind of communication tactics the team leader uses. An overly aggressive team leader may hinder communication and discussion by commanding the team members, rather than listening or working with them. On the other hand, a meek team leader may also hinder communication in that they do not encourage communication or discussion because they are afraid of feedback or negative criticism. Either way, the team will be negatively affected. Thus, a vital element of team communication is the team leader's communication style and techniques, so any team development must consider the team leader's communication style when the team is formed.

There are several different characteristics of open communication in teams. The communication should be honest, specific, accurate, logical, concise, complete, and relevant. Communication that contains all these elements consistently will result in cleared and better communication throughout the team, and should lead to the long-term achievement of goals and objectives. Open communication must always allow for feedback, as well, so that all the team members know what communication and goals are working, and what are not. Without feedback, the communication chain is incomplete, and eventually it will break down ("Team communication," 2008).

Team members share responsibility in team communication, as well. They must be open-minded, they must listen effectively, they should make sure everyone is heard, and they should discuss decision and come to a team decision. They should also make sure they are communicating so others understand, they should be aware of their body language, and they should always attempt to maintain the trust and confidence of the rest of the group. Studies indicate that planning in advance of forming the team is also essential in obtaining the best results. Three authors write, "[R]esults indicate that teams with effective preperformance planning had higher degrees of agreement in terms of knowledge structures of team sequences" (Schraagen, Chipman, & Shalin, 2000, p. 440). For the best results, planning should continue throughout the team's existence.

However, there are times when team communication, no matter how well intended, actually hinders team performance. Two authors continue, "Team communication hinders team performance the most when there is the least need and the least freedom to communicate. When there is enough time, and perhaps some reason to communicate, team communication neither retards nor enhances team performance" (Schraagen & Rasker, 2003, p. 761). Thus, freedom to communicate is essential, and for the team's survival, all team members must feel the freedom to communicate and to listen, as well.

In addition, there may be some team members who simply refuse to "get on board" with the team. They may not communicate, they may not understand the goals, and they may not feel comfortable or included in the team. For success, it is essential to include these members in the team, even if they seem to resist. First, a team leader should make sure the team member is on board and understands the goals. The team leader should also try to find out if there are other reasons for non-participation before the team meets. If there are problems or arguments, the team should assess the validity of the arguments, and act on them accordingly. If the arguments are not valid, then the team member should seek help or ways to motivate the team member, so they do not bring down the entire team with their negativity and lack of commitment.

Lack of commitment to the team can lead to a variety of problems, from not accomplishing goals to wasting time and a lack of trust and energy in the team. It can also ultimately lead to poor decision making due to lack of listening, input, and understanding by the team members. Poor team communication is probably the biggest reason many endeavors fail in many organizations, so the vital importance of good team communication cannot be stressed enough. If poor communication techniques are currently in place, the team leader should work hard to create new communication tools and goals to help build a strong foundation of team communication and commitment.