In the 21st century, teamwork is an essential part of every day life and ensures that goals and objectives are completed and challenges overcome. For centuries, teamwork has resulted in respective efficiencies and ensured that nations and society remains united. Within organizations alone, teamwork is the guiding principle that leads individuals and leaders towards success and a greater understanding of each other (UOW, 2015). With these thoughts in mind, this paper will argue that teamwork is such an important skill to develop as it has resounding influences on daily life and provides a set of redeeming values and skills that will ensure that society is successful and that entities and people change collectively for the better. A number of examples will also be used throughout this paper to support the significance of teamwork and society’s reliance on it now and also in the future.
One of the most significant components of teamwork is support. Teamwork serves as a supporting mechanism for any society, organization or individual (Tennant, 2015). It allows people to come together and to provide one another with the support that is needed. For example, within a hospital environment, each member of the team supports one another and works collectively to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient or numerous patients. Within more corporate based environments, teams provide much needed expertise and advice and ultimately support the main goals and intentions of the organization overall. Additionally, teams are compromised of a number of different people, each with their own set of values, skills and requirements. When respective strengths and weakness of team members are combined in a team atmosphere, a set strategy is devised and each member is able to suffice for the other team member’s weaknesses (Tennant, 2015). For example, a team in an organizational environment may be compromised of people who are technically smart or more focused on administration and leadership. Those member’s who are more technically based may be able to assist others whose strengths lie in administration or more office based environments. Ultimately, by developing teamwork, people are able to help others and ensure that an organization continues to meet its respective goals.
Teamwork is also an essential skill to develop as it is a life skill, a life requirement with respect to every errand or job that we conduct in the 21st century (Head, 2009). There is no one job that relies solely on one individual. Everyone must rely on one another in order to make a living and to strive throughout more challenging situations. Without an adequate appreciation of the help that teamwork provides, people will be less willing to help you or others and this can create a number of problems, particularly if the individual is in a position of power and requires help from respective subordinates and employees. For example, in order to get from point A to point B, an individual must rely on a team of trusted individuals, who all work for the same purpose. They must rely on the bus driver that transports them to one location and then train employees who allow them to then travel by train. Each process and stage within life, no matter how large or small they are, relies on teams (Head, 2009).
Thirdly, teamwork encourages social interaction and acknowledging the skills and values of others. In a way, it inspires people to be more considerate and also more generous. For example, as a leader, sufficient teamwork skills will allow you to encourage people to form teams and to trust and rely on one another in order to complete a set task or goal (Head, 2009). It is a skill that is acquired and developed over a long period of time and relies on different experiences and social interactions. Without adequate teamwork skills, people are unable to appreciate the social value of teams and how they encourage people to be together and to act in a way that benefits everyone and not just themselves (Tennant, 2015).
Teamwork also inspires structure and goal setting, which is required throughout any project or stage within life. Without a standard set of teamwork skills in society, projects would be unstructured and society would be inefficient and incapable of developing and prospering further. In order for a team to be successful, procedures need to be followed and each team member needs to understand the important of structure and relying on order to increase the efficiency of a model or project. For example, in military settings, teamwork is an essential skill as it allows people to work together, to develop structured responses and to ultimately defend their nation (Tennant, 2015). Comprehensive allied efforts throughout World War I and II relied heavily on expert teamwork skills from millions of soldiers and sailors as well as aircraftmen. With more complex organizational tasks, structure is required and can only be sourced from a team of experts. The stages involved in forming teams are also elaborate as different individuals need to be sourced and found from a number of different areas. Once a team is formed, there is still room for development as it becomes more cohesive and effective, particularly when collaborative efforts are developed and conducted (Head, 2009).
In conclusion and as argued throughout this paper, teamwork covers all stages of life and society and ensures that each individual respects the contributions and values of others. By developing teamwork skills, people can better relate to one another and achieve outcomes and goals that are challenging and highly complex.
- Head, R. (2009). The Value of Teamwork. ARMA International Publication, Retrieved from
http://content.arma.org/IMM/ColumnsWebExclusives/ColumnWebExclusiveTheValueinTeamwork.aspx Accessed on 25th November 2015. - Tennant, D. (2015). The Value of Teamwork. Retrieved from
http://www.asmeconferences.org/gemc10/DVTTheValueofTeamwork.pdf
Accessed on 25th November 2015. - UOW. (2015). Teamwork skills: being an effective group member. University of Waterloo,
Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/tips-students/being-part-team/teamwork-skills-being-effective-group-member Accessed on 25th November 2015.
