Team Communication

Teams can be found in many different environments in the world. Some of the best examples of communication and success are in sports, politics and hospital settings.  We can see that the top teams work because of their ability to communicate and this ability can create a win or lose in sports teams, a government working for the people and people getting upstanding medical care. 

When working in a corporate environment team communication is just as important.  Reviewing the types of communication characteristics that make up an effective team member and effective teams.  Review if a team can be effective in their collective communication if an individual member does not communicate effectively.  Finally, explain why effective communication is a determinant of a team’s success. Using the model to encourage teams to formalize perspectives and methods creates an environment for good team communication.  It gives a team structure and can elevate the likelihood of team conflicts and potential team pitfalls. 

Teams must establish a climate for communication; this is where the individual team member, organization and individual team members must contain an open communication message.  Rules must be created to mediate appropriate behavior within the group.  Communication needs to be done regularly in meetings with set agendas.  Team members need to understand other team members “styles” of communication and their strengths or weaknesses.  “Communication involves an observable interchange of information and subtle interactions of power, attitudes and values (Loxley 1997). Effective teams require reliable communication processes, with clearly defined responsibilities and appropriate delegation (Husting 1996). Individuals need to listen frequently to each other and collaborate in order to develop mutual knowledge, which enhances communication. Joint decision making and formal and informal interchanges can also enhance communication (Headrick et al. 1998). As a major

form of communication, meetings need to have clear agendas, and be managed so that all members contribute (Loxley 1997). In addition, clear two-way communication channels across team boundaries and with the organization ensures the relevance of the team’s functioning (Firth-Cozens 1998).” Mickan, S. (2000)

When creating a team it is essential to have a deep understanding from all members on the importance of communication and the other team member’s styles of communication.  Many assessments have been created to understand these styles of communication including D.I.S.C. and Situational Communication Style Assessments.  These tools can help others to understand how they and other team member’s best give and receive information.  “Consider an effective communication system to be one of the four necessary features of team structure. The communication system must focus on accessible information, utilize information from credible sources, provide opportunities for informal communication and have a way to document decisions in planning for communication. Leaders must take care to structure the team and interactions in such a way that these four elements are a part of the system.” Larson and LaFasto (1989, 55-57)

 Communication breakdown in the collective team communication process can impact the team environment and potentially affect the corporate bottom line.  In today’s competitive marketplace it is essential to stay competitive and good team dynamics are an important part of this equation. Communication is a cohesive bond between the team members and creates a trust factor important to the team’s effectiveness.  Trust is eroded by a lack of effective and opens communication; the historic relationships in SA; cultural issues, including a poor interpersonal understanding; poor perceptions of management initiatives and failure to "walk the talk". "You have to do what you say you're going to do or you will lose staff trust," says Steinmann. Yvonne Fontyn (2009)

 Effective communication is as essential as communication.  If communication by team members is ineffective it can create issues within the group and ultimately breakdown the group’s ability to perform.  There has been significant research done over the connection between communication satisfaction and success in the workplace or organizational teams (Cummings& Worley, 2009). That research shows people can be more successful when they are satisfied with the communication that is taking place in a situation at work.

  Teams must create rules for communication that keep the team on track and moving in the same direction.  A team needs consistent communication to stay effective in the workplace.  Individual team member’s communication abilities can affect the team and create issues with the success of the team.  Team communication can create a sense of satisfaction and can increase the effectiveness of an organization.  The communication skills of a team are a large part of the dynamic of a team and are essential for the success of that team