Team building can be described as process through which all members grow collectively by working towards shared goals, sharing experiences and knowledge, conflict management and by taking collaborative decisions. Communication plays vital role in team building as it provides clear objectives, directions and facilitate unity among team members. Poor communication often leads towards conflict and creates unhealthy environment that de-motivates team members and further reduces their efficiency. In health care organization, communication helps in keeping team members informed about progress and various changes occurring at different levels. In healthcare organization people work towards common goal that is providing utmost care to the patients. Hence, it is essential that doctors, nurses, supporting staff and admin department are informed about patient condition. Communication among cross functional team is also essential in order to deliver excellent services and care to customers (Pentland, April 2012).
Major communication barrier in our organization are: Physical barrier due to large area of health care facility, perceptual barrier due to dissimilar assumptions, perceptions and thinking, emotional barrier due to lower flexibility and freedom, cultural barrier due to diversified workforce, language barrier, gender and interpersonal barrier. The conflict can be avoided by creating a healthy environment of trust, respect and collaborative learning. Conflict can be avoided by respect and consideration of different ideas, clear goals and tasks, proper planning, and identifying multiple solutions to a problem (Baker et al., 2006).
Communication within team and cross functional departments can be improved by using advance technology, casual get-together of members, and celebration of small success. Leader can avoid reoccurring conflict by segregating problem and listening to each people in order to find shared solution. It is also essential to organize training and development programs to train people on how to resolve communication barriers and effective communication.
References
D. P Baker, R. Day and E. Salas. (August, 2006). Teamwork as an Essential Component of High-Reliability Organizations. Health Services Research , 1576–1598.
Pentland, A. S. (April, 2012). The New Science of Building Great Teams. Harvard Business Review .
