Teams in the 21st Century Reflection, Essay Example

In our day and age interdependence and interconnectivity has become the default standard for human survival. Virtually everything that is done or has to be done and done very well is conducted in a team atmosphere. The underlining wisdom behind team engagement stems from the realization that co-operation as opposed to antagonism holds the key to sustainable achievement. Teams provide the necessary platform by which individuals complement each others efforts and makeup for their shortcomings in every way (Jordan, 2009). In other words teams have become the most ideal means by which individuals become a complete whole without necessarily compromising their respective sense of individuality.

Looking back at most of the things that I have done in the rest past, brings back chilling memories of experiences that I have had working in partnership with other people within the group setting. In retrospect I can only look back and say that the experience has been highly rewarding. It has been a humbling experience to work within a team setting, primarily because it revealed the human dimension of finiteness in what I am capable of doing. Previously, I also had the jack of all trades mentality, but working in the group setting brought to the fore areas of sheer weakness in me. Within the scope I saw other team players display optimum aptitude in that aspect of my weakness and vice versa.

As stated in the opening paragraph, the world of today has become highly interconnected to a degree that was highly unthinkable a century ago. It is for this reason that globalization and its attendant buzz word “the global village” has become associated with the world of today. To a large extend this phenomenon only goes to re-enforce the prevailing knowledge that no meaningful output can be achieved under any working condition if workers do not operate with a team spirit to achieve stated collective goals (Hartenian, 2003). In the absence of team spirit working morale will be eroded by arbitrary hatred and animosity at the expense of viable productivity.

At this juncture it will be very good to cite a number of lucid illustrations to buttress the assertions made here. Sports in its absolute form provides a clear example of not just the need for team work but also provides a comprehensive guide to support how teams ought to work. The goal of every sportsman or woman will be to win the ultimate price regardless of what it is. But the process of victory begins right from the training grounds. The level of cooperation between the coach and the sportsman or woman will direct how effective the training will be and ultimately the preparedness and competitiveness on the D day. Football is my favorite sport, and therefore I will use it to make the tangible illustrations needed here. It takes eleven players, a five reserve players on the bench, technical handlers and the medical staff to constitute a complete team.

Within the eleven men playing squad, there has to be cooperation and coordination between the five defenders, four midfielders and the two upper strikers. Any laxity on the part of any of these groups can cost the team the ultimate victory whilst in the same vein synchronized team work will be to the betterment and glory of the team.

To work in a team certainly requires the possession of genuine team skills that will ultimately ensure that I become an effective team player. Some of the skills that will benefit me include my capacity to assist, listen and express sensitivity. By exhibiting any of these virtues I will be better placed to offer a strong leaning shoulder for members of my team as I we strife to realize the team interests and goals.

Reference

Jordan, Brigitte (2009) “Blurring Boundaries: The “Real” and the “Virtual” in Hybrid Spaces. Introduction to Special Section on Knowledge Flow in Online and Offline Spaces.” Human Organization 68:2:181-193.

Linda S. Hartenian (2003). “Team member acquisition of team knowledge, skills, and abilities,” Team Performance Management. Volume: 9  Issue:  1/2  Page:  23 –25.