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Teamwork

Posted on August 3, 2009

Rafting is one of my favorite summertime activities. It can be relaxing to drift and let the water maneuver the boat with the flow of the stream. However, to navigate the river, catch some air and avoid the dangers that come with whitewater rafting, each paddler needs to work together as a team.

Sometimes I’ll be the only one oaring which causes the boat to turn in circles. When two of us row, we can get the job done. However, the most efficient (and safest) way is to paddle together, as a united, functional team. There is inherent danger in not rowing as a team, such as getting stuck in an eddy, dropping into holes, lodging in debris, etc. If two members of the team are trying to go right and two are trying to go left, or if the paddlers on the right have more powerful strokes then the paddlers on the left, the end result can have negative consequences. The same is true in a work team environment.

Teams should be comprised of people with different skills, all moving in a common direction to achieve a common goal, in a coordinated effort. Knowing who is on the team, providing structure and support, and coaching the team are critical to the overall success.

We work toward a high degree of collaboration, within each team and within our unit. For example, we must work with the campus community to determine UM’s online course offerings. In order to have a successful program, we must consider the budget impact, provide high quality instructional design and launch an overall communication strategy. Each XLS team member has a common direction (toward a robust, relevant schedule), with a goal of serving students. A team leader, or coach, navigates the process to ensure accurate and timely completion.

How does your organization ensure employees are all paddling in a common direction and utilizing their skills effectively and efficiently?

-Peggy Nesbitt

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