Communication and Teamwork
Communication and Teamwork
In a virtual meeting, how can you ensure a group is communicating effectively?
Communication in meetings is imperative to the achievement of the meeting’s goals. In a virtual meeting, one needs to ensure that, first of all, the mood is natural and people are relaxed (Ferrazzi, 2015). This helps to eliminate the tension and make the atmosphere friendly. Information with regards to the meeting’s agenda should also be shared prior to the meeting (Ferrazzi, 2015). This gifts everyone a chance to have an opinion during the meeting. Use of visuals is also another strategy that one can use to help people understand their message clearly. This involves the use of images, graphs, and illustrations that would enhance one’s point or contribution.
In a meeting, everyone should be informed with regards to the agenda and goals of the meeting prior to the convening. Aside from being informed, every member should be able to comprehend whatever it is that is being communicated. This means that the message should be clear. To enhance clarity, one can use visuals or even PowerPoint presentations to ensure that everyone in the meeting understands the steps to achieve the meeting’s goals.
What are the characteristics of effective teams?
One of the major attributes of an effective team is the cohesion and unity that they have. These teams are always united and focused towards the achievement of their set goals. The other attribute is that they embrace diversity. Diversity strengthens teams because the weaknesses of someone are always covered by an equal and opposite strength in another person (Washington, 2016). The working atmosphere is important to any team that is effective at executing its duties. The atmosphere within such a group is always easy, relaxed, informal, and comfortable.
How do roles, needs, and diversity affect teamwork? Provide specific examples.
Diversity brings together people from different cultures, people of different ages, races as well as personalities. It is often looked at as a strength but if people are not careful, it can be the only thing that guarantees the breakdown of communication (Washington, 2016). For example, in a team, ideological differences are imminent. However, if taken positively, a team can be able to come up with better ideas that suit best for a particular activity.
In a team, it is essential that everyone knows and understands their roles. Neglecting one’s role affects the group’s ability to achieve its goals. Achievement of goals requires a collective effort and if one part or a certain person is not committed then the team might fail. For example, to prepare for a virtual meeting, the group needs a technician who knows how to setup the tools necessary for the meeting. If this person fails to do his part then the team will not have the set meeting. However, the reverse is the same if he/she is available to setup the tools.
What are components of group diversity?
Personality diversity
Cultural diversity
Age diversity
Ethnic diversity
Diversity of abilities
References
Ferrazzi, K. (2015). How to run a great virtual meeting. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved July 26, 2016, from: https://hbr.org/2015/03/how-to-run-a-great-virtual-meeting
Washington, M. (2016). Diversity and Teamwork. University of the Rockies.
