Teamwork

Introduction

Many jobs involve working in one or more work groups. Good teamworking means you are able to work with others in a professional manner while attempting to achieve a common goal. See also Understanding and Working With Team Dynamics(from Goals and Achievements Ltd).

Feedback

• Working in a team situation often requires giving and receiving helpful feedback.
• Feedback is a unique form of information which is purely for future improvement. Giving and receiving effective feedback requires courage, tact, honesty, understanding and mutual respect.

Tips for giving feedback

• Be descriptive, not judgemental. Show the truth not your opinion.

• Be specific not general

• Don’t assume mental states or emotional disposition of the other person, focus only on visible behaviour

• Consider appropriate timing

• Be positive - constructive criticism

• Assess your own motives for giving feedback.

Tips for receiving feedback

• Listen

• Make sure you accurately understand what is being said

• Don’t be emotional or defensive

• What to improve - be open

• Acknowledge the giver’s effort

• Understand that change is ultimately down to you.

More Information

• Negotiation
• Team Negotiation Skills (from MindTools)

This content comes from The University of Essex