team collaboration

 team collaboration

Analysis

It is a standard business challenge to encourage team collaboration, due to the varied nature of people, challenges are numerous. In the scenario provided, the team members demonstrate unique characteristics that can hinder collaboration. The group leader is detailed and focused; she exploits clear communication skills. The other team members depict opinionated, inattentive, shy and quiet characteristics. The main challenge the group is to encounter is the miscommunication of instructions. The personalities of the team members support the notion. It is essential to understand that miscommunication refers to the missing or misinterpretation of instructions.

Collaborative Skills

The collaborative analysis of the group provided in the scenario identified that miscommunication is the primary barrier to teamwork. Collaboration is critical for building businesses; the working staff is the main stakeholder within the company and having a positive environment is essential for success. To attain the setting, the group must demonstrate specific skills. The first skill is exceptional communication skills, teamwork relies on communication, and its set as a standard requirement. Each team member must have a defined communication and strategy that will allow for effective transmission of task requirements for the completion of the project. Secondly, the team leader should leverage the strengths of the team members. The skill is necessary for empowering team members, thereby boosting performance output. The benefits of the skill also addressed the exploitation of individual skills by team members. Finally, team socialization, teams that have developed professional relations both at and outside work promote collaboration. Each team member is aware of the other’s potential and limitations which are exploited to benefit the overall project.

Effective Communication

Effective communication is the process of transferring or exchanging notions, thoughts, data and information in a manner that fulfils its purpose. Effective communication has elements that must be present for the exchange to be effective. The message must be clear, correct, complete, precise, reliable, courteous, and considerable. Conveying information effectively is a skill that is developed through endless practice and experience. For a group, effective communication will encompass the stated message requirements as well as the encouragement of feedback, proper utilization of time and encouragement of one-on-one communication.

Team Assessment

Verbal cues are the stimuli presented through articulated words indicating the speaker is anticipating a reaction or response. Verbal cues are in two groups, direct and indirect verbal cues. Direct verbal cues are targeted and leave no room for misinterpretation, indirect verbal cues; on the other hand, provide reasonable doubt to the listener. Nonverbal cues, alternatively, refers to communication conducted without direct translations. It mainly depicts body movements, body orientations, vocal tones, facial expressions and others. The team provided in the scenario as previously stated depict various traits that also affect their verbal and non-verbal communication attributes. In the case of Gail, she is the team leader; she is detailed, focused and communicated clearly. Therefore she exploits direct verbal cues which leave little doubt in the instructions given. Larry mainly depicts nonverbal communications based on his body movements as limited vocal articulation. Robert also depicts non-verbal communication as his opinionated notions are supported by his vocal nuances towards every notion presented. Finally, Melissa, she also depicts nonverbal cues through her body orientation, movements, facial expressions and rarity in sharing her astounding ides.

Defensive Communication

Depending on the situation, defensive communication is necessary to solve circumstances. From an individual perspective, it refers to the rational response that delays or protects the speaker from threatening emotions. Defensive communication is, therefore described as one of the most common yet destructive forms of defence mechanisms in communication. The trigger for the process is a sense of threat or insecurity on the part of the listener. It is essential to note that it does not focus on verbal cues only but also nonverbal cues to motivate the speaker. The destructive nature of defensive communication is the distorted perception it induces on the listener. Some verbal communication cues that depict defensiveness include lack of confidence and inability to deliver proper messages. Taking defensive positions such as arching the back and looking away are nonverbal cues that affect communication.

The outcome of defensive communication is the listener assuming either “Flight or Fight” responses. The “fight” response is noteworthy by yelling arguing and aggressive behaviours. Such behaviours diminish the effectiveness of the communication. The “flight” response, on the other hand, the listener may be fearful of the speaker resulting in miscommunication, thereby affecting team collaboration.

Active Listening

Active listening is the process of actively involving the listener in the message of the speaker. With active listening, team members or the recipients become immersed in the message. It allows for instructions to be passed effectively, allowing for task completion. For the team identified, active listening is a skill that has the potential of increasing team collaboration. The team members are required to listen to the speaker or leader and asked to contribute or question notions not understood. The team members will be able to quickly assess both verbal and nonverbal messages, thereby promoting team collaboration.