1,2,3... TEAMWORK

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By: Janna Parke

When it comes to teamwork, there are many trials and struggles that can and will occur. Sometimes it’s a team member who is slacking, sometimes it is a leader who is overpowering, but no matter what the issues is, it is important to stop and reflect on how effectively and efficiently your team is working as a whole. In my entrepreneurship 310 class, my professor, Stroh Brann, gave us tips on how to get your team back on track when things are getting chaotic. Even if things appear to be going well, it is very possible that a problem will come up in the future, and your team needs to be ready to handle any situation. Take the time to reflect on the questions below, no matter what your team situation, because you always be more effective and efficient.

Ask your team if you are being:

Effective   = Doing the right things.

Efficient    = Doing the things right.

Ask yourselves questions in these three areas:

Start -- What do we need to begin doing in our team meetings, communication, etc.?

Stop – What should we stop doing?   What is not working well, or getting in our way?

Continue -- What is working well, helping us reach our goals?

Once your team has gone through these questions, it should be clear what needs to change and needs to stay the same. Being here at school, juggling classes, extra activities, and other social events can be time consuming and stressful. It is hard to collaborate on many different class projects and be a confident group member in each situation. After looking over these short questions with your group, it will be easier to handle group meetings, productivity, and overall ideas! If you have a group project and things are falling apart before your eyes, try taking this activity to the group meeting and see what happens once you take the time to reflect!