Working as a team to meet an overall goal or objective takes strategic planning and a commitment from each member to contribute their respective parts in order to ensure success. According to Taplin, Foster, & Shortell (2013), in order for effective team building to take place, it must be contingent upon the proper organizational environment. There are many different types of teams and depending upon what objectives the team is trying to achieve, will determine what types of training, roles, and responsibilities team members will be required to possess. Teams typically are comprised of 2 or more members who “share common goals, interact with eaeh other, and perform tasks affecting others” (Taplin, et al, 2013).
I had the privilege of being part of a small fundraising committee that raised monies to purchase coats, scarves, gloves, and blankets for the homeless. My role was to solicit donations from people towards this cause in an effort to meet our overall goal of $1500. I reached out to people via email, phone contact, and through social media. One member had the task of setting up the social media accounts and websites to assist the team in our quest to raise funds. Another created a list of potential donors and another was tasked with collecting funds and keeping track of our total monies raised.
In addition to soliciting donations for our cause, I was also tasked with being the team leader. Not only was I expected to do my part to achieve our team goals but I had to also check in with my teammates to ensure they were on task, assist them where needed, keep our team motivated and inspired. As mentioned technology was used for the bulk of our fundraising efforts through email and social media channels. This method of fundraising proved most successful as we exceeded our goal and raised over $2200.
- Taplin, S. H., Foster, M. K., & Shortell, S. M. (2013). Organizational Leadership for Building Effective Health Care Teams. Annals of Family Medicine, 11(3), 279-281. doi:10.1370/afm.1506
