What is "Teamwork?"

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board defines Teamwork (TW) as the "ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose and goal." Several courses in the Texas Core Curriculum teach and assess Teamwork. Employees often report higher workplace satisfaction and multiple perspectives are more likely to be represented when decisions are made by a Team.

As a student, you demonstrate Teamwork when you collaborate on an assignment by selecting the topic, organizing and writing the material and presenting the material. Students can begin to practice their teamwork skills by working together to complete a specific task or reach a common goal.

Employers often report teamwork as one of the most desirable skills they look for in a candidate. Teamwork in an organizational setting involves a leader gathering a team of people together to brainstorm or solve a problem in health care, technology, and government agencies. Teams meet in person or by teleconferencing software.

Some key words that relate to teamwork in the workplace include the following:

How can you improve Teamwork at school and at work?

Harmony

Synergy

Leadership

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Listening

Cohesion

Delegation

Creative

1. Delegate tasks based on strengths

2. Communicate in a timely manner

3. Fulfill your individual tasks

4. Avoid Groupthink