Team Communication
Abstract
One aspect of team dynamics is communication. Communication between team members is an essential part of the team building experience. The following paper will review several reasons why it is important to have good communication in a team setting, how communication can be achieved, and the benefits and challenges that arise from communication team setting.
Team Communication
Working in teams in several different types of settings is proven to be an effective way of working towards and achieving common goals. It takes commitment, dedication, and good communication. Whether it be in the workplace, in a church group or in the educational setting, communication is a very important aspect of team work that keeps the team cohesive and able to complete their tasks in a positive and efficient way.
It is very important to have good communication in a team for several reasons. According to Tuckman’s Five-Stage Theory of Group Development (as cited in Kreitner & Kinicki, 2003, p. 414), groups move through five stages as follows: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. In each stage of development communication flows from more informal to formal then again to informal. During the Forming stage, members of the team learn about one another and tend to not fully express themselves in an effort to get to know each other. Although it may seem as though communication is not as important in this stage, it is key in setting the tone for the rest of the task at hand. It is in this stage that the individual has a responsibility of speaking listening, and figuring out how he/she fits in the team.
During the second stage of Storming, usually a leader has emerged either naturally or by being chosen. Communication by the leader and other group members again is key in determining responsibilities and avoiding rebellion or other problems that may put the group at risk. In the Norming stage...
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