Communication on a Team
Building and maintaining a successful team can be very difficult without communication. So many promising teams self-destructed because they fail to understand the importance of communication. Studies have shown that the key to a high performing and successful team is clear and open communication. And without communication a team will falls apart, brick by brick.
Communication
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2009) defines communication as, “a process by which information is exchanged through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior” or “a verbal or written message. When related to a group environment, communication is defined as, “collective actions by two or more person that is established with words and actions, working towards a shared goal or vision.”
Communication at the Beginning
Communication is very critical to building a team. How well a team communicates in the beginning will determine its success in the end. Clearly communicating the team’s goals and direction will help prevent individual members from rushing to set personal priorities and goals. All members should take part in the initial discussions of roles, responsibilities and operating guidelines for the team. Such upfront communication characterized by the culture at AMTEK’s Binghampton, New York planet, where there has never been a layoff (Friedman and Casner-Lotto). All members fully understood the business and its vision from the very beginning. Communication on a virtual team is very different, because there are no face-to-face meetings. Virtual teams depend solely on technology to communicate. In the beginning, this type of group relies totally on a team charter. The charter is used to communicate basic information about each member, such as name, contact information, background and expertise. Just like traditional teams, each member should be involved in all initial discussion. This will ensure each member clearly understands the team’s goal...