Teamwork (Cooperation)

Teamwork (Cooperation) -- Active participation in, and facilitation of, team effectiveness; taking actions that demonstrate consideration for the feelings and needs of others; being aware of the effect of one's behaviors on others.

Active cooperation by every member is vital to team success. Team members cannot sit back and observe or allow others to do the work; they must work proactively to achieve group goals and facilitate cohesiveness. Effective teams are not just collections of people. Rather, they are an entity that is greater than the sum of its parts. This means that team members must work together closely and make every effort to support and cooperate with each other.

Teamwork involves a work group, such as the people composing a self-directed work team or all the people involved on a special project.

Key Behaviors:

• Cooperates rather than competes with team members.
• Offers suggestions, opinions, and information to team members.
• Listens to and considers the ideas of team members.
• Supports group decisions even if not in total agreement.
• Helps team members improve skills, knowledge, and attitudes.
• Allows others to take credit for good ideas or products.
• Communicates changes or problems to team members.
• Solves team-related problems with tact.
• Asks for team members' ideas and suggestions.
• Shares information and suggestions willingly.
• Disagrees with team members tactfully.
• Treats team members with respect and understanding.

Key Words -- supports, cooperates, shares information, participates, works together

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