What does it really mean to work in a team?

Anyone who regularly recruits new employees and reviews resumes is familiar with the most common phrases job seekers use. One of these is "experienced in teamwork." The fact that almost every job seeker includes this phrase in their resume highlights how important it is to be able to collaborate with colleagues. But do we truly understand what it means to be successful in teamwork?

The fundamental condition for a team's success is effective communication among all its members. If we want to be a valuable team member, we must know how to communicate well.

Communication is the Backbone of Team Activities

Communication enables team members to benefit from each other’s experiences and learn things they might not have discovered on their own. Through communication, teams analyze problems, make decisions, and coordinate efforts to achieve a common goal. Additionally, communication helps teams recognize and resolve internal challenges. If communication is obstructed in any way, both productivity and team cohesion are at risk.

 

Team Communication is Horizontal and Two-Way

Communication among team members is not hierarchical, as all members should be equal. Instead of orders, teamwork relies on explanations, suggestions, clarifications, and negotiations. Another characteristic of team communication is its two-way nature, meaning that discussions take place between all members rather than just the leader giving instructions while others passively listen and follow orders.

In a well-functioning team, members discuss matters directly with one another, rather than communicating through a superior who then relays information. Another feature of teamwork communication is its informal nature—there are usually no strict rules on who can discuss what and when. For example, problem-solving does not always require a formal meeting; team members might simply get together casually, like over a coffee. Most team communication happens verbally, whether in person, over the phone, in meetings, or through presentations.

The Role of the Leader

Despite teamwork’s collaborative nature, the team leader plays a crucial role in communication. A good leader must master two-way communication, be open to different perspectives, and actively listen without prejudice. They should be able to ask direct questions, be attentive to emotions, understand struggling employees, and engage constructively with team members.

 

Common Communication Mistakes in Teams

Despite best efforts, teams often encounter communication issues, such as:

• Hiding information (especially negative news)
• Favoritism towards certain individuals
• Autocratic leadership in meetings
• Fear of expressing doubts about ideas (to avoid offending the proposer)
• Passive or selective listening
• Filtering messages (only sharing partial information)
• Lack of trust among members, often due to unresolved conflicts

To achieve good teamwork results, these pitfalls must be avoided.

 

The Key to Effective Teamwork

Team members need fast and reliable information to perform their tasks effectively. The ideal approach in modern companies is for leaders to communicate the goals while allowing employees to determine how to achieve them. Leaders should ensure smooth information flow and promote open, respectful communication among team members while embracing diversity.

So, are you truly experienced in teamwork?