TEAM DYNAMICS

How should teams communicate? Communication is not just about how you talk and listen. It's about connecting with people. Work teams can be successful and

accomplish there goals when they find ways to communicate messages to inform, instruct, or stimulate members. (Winning Solutions, 2001-03) "Experts today

consider communication to be the backbone of any effective team. Learn to:

Deliver communication so that it is received the way you intended.

Exercise greater direction over how and what you say.

Deliver constructive feedback while maintaining respect and goodwill.

Be the source for the greatest collaborative communication possible.

Create a climate of trust; foster a safe place for interaction.

Use interpersonal communication techniques to resolve differences and defuse anger.

Connect to what others say.

Create a positive atmosphere of respect and sharing."

Many of everyday work stations require interactions between team members, often geographically dispersed or temporarily absent from a shared workplace. The communication pathways differ markedly concerning the team members' status.

Communication

Communication

Show Your Face

A team has several communication options available and they need to find which one is right for their situation. Face-to-face communication is the most important in establishing relationships and rapports between team members. (Tools for Teams, p. 193) Face-to-face communication is easier and, therefore, more likely to occur than are other forms of communication. People primarily rely on non verbal signals to help them conduct social interactions. Building a rapport between team members helps build better relations. Members tend to be more receptive of information when they trust the person that they receive it from. Teams are quick to gain a rapport with each other when they work in close proximity, the further they work form each other the less effective their communication will be. (Tools for Team, p. 193) In most companies, the incidence and frequency of face-to-face communication is...