Team Communication What does it take?

Overview  Why it is important & necessary  Creating Team Communication  Characteristics of Open Communication  Guidelines to Team Communication  Responsibilities of Team Members  Getting Your Message Across  Other issues  Tools  Questions

Why communication is important & necessary…  In a team you are ALL working towards a same goal.  You need to define and ensure that the goal is shared by all the members.  If there are questions/issues about the goal those need to be resolved quickly in order for the team to move forward.

Why communication is important & necessary…  When decisions need to be made the team has to be made aware of the decision that is at hand. EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE ON BOARD  If communication keeps the team members informed, therefore a team working towards the same goal can be more effective and efficient.

Why communication is important & necessary… 1.Information is shared within team. 2.Team members have knowledge 3.Knowledge is power 4.Sense of power gives members sense of belonging and dedication 5.Dedicated members will contribute more and feel valuable to the team.

Creating team communication  Ensure that goals are clearly defined.  Interaction is aimed at solving problems and achieving team goals.  Ensure team members trust each other by having open communication.

Characteristics of Open Communication  Members are encouraged to solicit input from others.  Disagreement is invited and dealt with as a vital part of making sound decisions.  Team members share responsibility for communicating effectively.  Everyone is pro-active to understand team goals. 

Guidelines to Team Communication  Be specific: include facts and details to avoid being vague  Be accurate: as much as possible be sure that the information you are giving is true and reliable.  Be honest: be truthful with those you are communicating with and do not use questionable information.

Guidelines to Team Communication  Be logical: make sure messages are easy to follow  Be complete: give all needed information in regards to your ideas.  Be concise: be brief- not unnecessarily wordy.  Be relevant: stay on task and give information that is needed.  Ask for feedback: have recipients give comments on information.

Responsibilities of Team Members  Open minded  Listen to what is being said  Give feedback to what is being said  Make sure all team members have a chance to communicate their ideas.  If decisions need to be made discuss pros and cons, and decide best option for TEAM.

Responsibilities of Team Members  Take ownership for what you say.  Take responsibility for making sure you are heard and understood.  Use terminology and examples that your audience understands.  Be aware of body language.  Always work to maintain the trust and confidence of those with whom you are communicating/working.

Getting Your Message Across 1.State the purpose of your message. 2.Communicate your message. 3.Listen to the response of others. 4.Clear up any misunderstandings. 5.Summarize and move to action.

Other Issues  Team members who are not participating: Ensure they know goal and are on board towards working for the same goal. If there are other reasons why team member is not participating then try to find out before team meets. If argument is valid then convey message of understanding to team without breaking confidence. If message is not valid then try to find help through your peers, or other people. Try to find ways of motivation for the team and ways team member will feel motivated to participate.

Other Issues  Poor communicationcan lead to: Wasted time and/or energy Lack of trust Misunderstandings Deadlines are not met Lack of change for the better  Therefore make sure team is exercising good communication.

Tools  Recognize team members strengths and weaknesses  Open discussion  Response cards  Subgroup discussion  Partners  Fishbowl  Team Gutters

Team Communication QUESTIONS???