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Effective communication skills are integral to the success of a team in every field i.e. it maintains a positive working environment. In business, a positive workplace, implies positive interactions amongst workers, employees, customers and the public. An effective communication is enhanced by leaders setting clear expectations, methods and standards, that include sales goals, customer service requirements, and employee’s conduct. Clarity in communicating goals and expectations automatically minimizes or mitigates confusions that may arise amongst team members. Effective communication enhances collaboration amongst team members. The initiative to communicate well, therefore, rests upon every member of a team. Communication within a team and from its leadership impacts on teamwork. The communication skills needed in any field of work include; listening skills – A good speaker is also a good listener. Listening to what others say is crucial in enhancing effective communication and understanding. Communicating effectively also means taking note of others’ opinions and ideas. Good listening skills provides ways in which a team can speak to leaders – by creating open-door policies to address leaders. A leader or speaker must not interrupt or talk over other people as that can cause misunderstandings. Positive listening skills require taking into consideration the feedback from others and making the necessary adjustments that would make everyone feel part of the group or team. Secondly, consistency – say what you mean! For instance, a company must adhere to its set communication tools and policies. Teams members respond positively where there is clarity and consistency in company’s expectations and goals. Leaders must consistently follow the laid communication guidelines to encourage team members. For instance, suppose a policy prohibits members from sending emails from an insecure public location, say a coffee house. If a sale manage visits the coffee shop and send any sensitive email to staffs or customers, then the same standards must apply to other sales team members in the organization. An effective communication skill starts with the top leadership setting clear and consistent example. Team members will always mimic or imitate what their leaders do. Teams can only be strengthened when individuals are empowered to express their ideas openly, respectfully and with no fear. There is need for team buildings for team members to interact and know each other well. Team building promotes respect amongst teammates and helps in celebrating the unique qualities that inspire greatness to the team.

Conclusion

Effective teams enhance the productivity and performance of an organization. However, improving teams’ performance requires individuals’ commitment, conviction and strong leadership (Wheelan 2014). The first step to enhancing group performance is researching the qualities of previous or current high performing teams. It involves finding out what they do differently and how it will be of value to your team. The next step is laying out a process which are then presented to the team for further discussions. The team then settles on the specific guidelines and changes to implement for effective team performance (Bannister, Wickenheiser & Keegan 2014). The team is inspired through open communications, team buildings, creative thinking, honesty and above all an honest and supportive leadership. Lack of amongst team members ultimately cripples the group's projects. Therefore, to achieve long-term success, there must be increased collaboration and confidence building on each member.

References

Ahmed, A., Siantonas, G., & Siantonas, N. (2017). The 13 key performance indicators for highly effective teams. Routledge.

Bannister, S. L., Wickenheiser, H. M., & Keegan, D. A. (2014). Key elements of highly effective teams. Pediatrics, 133(2), 184-186.

Wheelan, S. A. (2014). Creating effective teams: A guide for members and leaders. Sage Publications.