Improving Teamwork Effectiveness

Teamwork requires each individual group member to work together to achieve a common goal. But how can a team do this in the most effective way possible? As I was researching, I found two important ways that can help teams become more effective. Team members must have clear goals, and good communication.

Team members must have clear goals and expectations that are mutual for the whole group. The group must set objectives, solve problems, and make a plan. While this method may take much longer, it provides better decisions and greater efficiency because everyone is committed. The group’s leadership must have created clear expectations for the team. The group must understand why they were created and fully understand their specific role on the team. Accomplishing this method will set the group up for success. (Heathfield, 2013) ("Steps to building,")

Good communication is key to improving teamwork effectiveness. Each team member must be clear about the priority of his or her tasks. A team leader must be identified. To achieve the greatest outcome, it is necessary that the team receives honest feedback and gives feedback as well. The team needs to establish rules of conduct for conflict resolution. They can be simple rules, like being on time to meetings or every team member has the right to share his or her ideas and opinions. Just make sure the team is clear on the rules. When communicating with your team, be clear and direct so everyone understands. Each team member needs to be open to suggestions and concerns by asking questions and offering help. “Communication is the single most important factor in successful teamwork.” ("Steps to building,") (Heathfield, 2013)

Effective teamwork is essential to accomplishing team goals. By defining clear goals and communicating clearly within the team, the team will become more effective and work together successfully.

References

Heathfield, S. M. (2013). 12 tips for team building. Retrieved from http://humanresources.about.com/od/involvementteams/a/twelve_tip_team.htm

(Heathfield, 2013)

 Steps to building an effective team. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://hrweb.berkeley.edu/guides/managing-hr/interaction/team-building/steps

("Steps to building," )

Professional Blogs

What can professional blogs do for businesses such as Snapple? First, professional blogs can be a hindrance to businesses such as Snapple, and second, they can be a good advertisement for Snapple.

I researched blogs and came across one that criticized Snapple’s advertising strategies. It read, “Plano's Dr Pepper Snapple Group sent us a press release today because they had nothing to say. No, really. This is their new marketing push. Celebrate nothing, because nothing is better than Snapple. Philosophically, this is a confusing proposition at best.”(Cleaver, 2013) The blog went on to explain how the slogan of winning “nothing” is confusing and this particular blogger doesn’t like it. I actually agree. When I first saw that commercial, I was very confused and I thought the advertisement was a stupid idea. (Cleaver, 2013)

                Now that we know the disadvantages of blogs for businesses, what are the benefits? I found a blog that lists the benefits of professional blogs.  According to this blog by Mike Holmes, first, blogs draw more people and are favored by search engines.  Second, professional blogs are beneficial if you have services or products to sell. Third, it is beneficial to explain why what you offer is of better value than other businesses. Forth, a professional blog becomes a natural conduit for producing material that you can leverage. Last, blogs keep fresh, new content coming from your site and will lead to sales.  (Holmes, 2012)

                In conclusion, professional blogs can have a negative effect on businesses because they can criticize and belittle the company.  Professional blogs can also provide benefits for businesses, such as a good advertising strategy.