Improving Teamwork Effectiveness

Improving Teamwork Effectiveness

Working effectively in a team is a crucial part of almost all business activity. According to one article from the Houston Chronicle two major factors that can help to improve effective teamwork are diversity and communication. We’ll take the time to discuss each of these briefly in this blog.

In the concept of teamwork, generally, opposites really do attract. The reason for this is that when a team comes together to solve a problem or number of problems there can be a variety of different issues to tackle. Each team member has strengths and weaknesses to contribute to the group as a whole, and if those strengths are managed effectively, great things can happen. If diversity and difference in a group is not handled correctly, however, it can cause contention and problems. It’s for this reason we now turn to the topic of solid communication.

“Groupthink” is a commonly known problem in team settings that can often be attributed to improper or insufficient communication. Groupthink is the idea that individuals conform to what they suppose the entire group thinks, when in reality everyone is on a different page. This can lead to unsatisfactory outcomes in group work.  Proper and open communication will eliminate these problems and allow everyone’s views to be clearly presented. Communication is also vital to ensure that tasks are completed on time, and that individuals in the group understand clearly what is expected of them.

When handled correctly, diversity and open communication can have a huge positive influence in team settings.

Resources

Wolski, C. (2013). Factors that promote effective teamwork. Houston Chronicle. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/factors-promote-effective-teamwork-1932.html

Merriam-Webster. (2012). Groupthink. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groupthink

Benefits Of Blogging

     There are SO many reasons for big businesses to maintain a professional blog. Two of the biggest reasons I will explain in this post today. The first is that free advertising is very effective through blogging. The second is the simple fact that blogs have a longer shelf life, and are able to reach wider audiences.
     Advertising is expensive these days, and any form of free advertising is gladly welcomed. Blogging allows a company to put information out about itself with little or no cost. For example, one thing Snapple is known for is its "Snapple Real Facts" campaign, in which an interesting and little-known fact is found under the lid of each Snapple bottle. One blog I found lists almost 1,000 of these facts (Myhumbleopinion,2009)!
     Many businesses pay for advertising that lasts for a few weeks or months at most. Blogs provide a long shelf life, which means that they will last as an advertisement for as long as you want, forever even. According to one site "Your blog articles have a long shelf life because they will continue to be found in search for months/years" (Barai, 2013). If SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is maximized, huge numbers of people will be drawn to your website.
     In conclusion, blogs are an excellent choice for a company that wants to get a wider audience for little or no cost.

Barai, Malhar. (2013, April 11). Ten Reasons Business Blogging Is Better [Infographic]. Retrieved from        http://malharbarai.com/2013/04/11/10-reasons-business-blogging-is-better-infographic/

Myhumbleopinion. (2009, December 27). Snapple Real Facts. [Blog]. Retrieved from      http://mysnapplerealfacts.blogspot.com/