I've been thinking, writing, and studying about teamwork lately. I've been doing this for a large number of reasons. First, as I approach jobs outside of the teaching world. I'm looking at how teamwork works best in those realms. I'm also thinking about how to use a better team approach with my immediate family--how can we work as an apt team that best supports and helps one another. I'm also thinking about how to build team where there isn't good teaming since I know a sense of team truly enriches the energy, skill, and outlook you bring to any task.
Consider your skills and needs as a team member
As I think about teamwork, I'm first thinking about my role as a team member - where am I strong and where can I improve. The better we are as team members, the better we can expect a team to work. One of the surprises related to this personal work is the fact that I often expect good teamwork where there has been no prep or practice in that area. I've learned to work as a good team takes time and effort. You can't just expect that to happen, and this is particularly true if the team task is new, unexpected, or challenging.
Consider who is ready and willing to work as a team
Also, to consider teamwork in advantageous ways, it to think about is ready and willing to work as a team. Rather than push those not ready to team into this realm, it is better to identify people who are ready and willing to work as a team. Often with new initiatives, the advice is to begin with those eager for change. The same is true for good teamwork, start with those who are eager to team. That's a lot easier, better, and more respectful than trying to push people to team when that's not what they want to do.
Consider the research
The more you learn about being an optimal team member, the better you will do. There is a lot of research out there about teamwork, and taking the time to read and consider the research will definitely help you to team better.
Teamwork holds great promise for good living, apt problem solving, and meaningful creativity. In the days ahead, I'll take my own advice as I develop my teamwork skills, seek to team with eager team members, and research what makes teams successful. Onward.