Making "Teamwork" Work

Tips on How to Work as a Team When Faced With a Large Project When a big project arises, the first task is preparing your department for the task at hand. Here are some simple tips to effectively organize your team. 1. Plan your approach. Before approaching the task, decide exactly what needs to be done and who will do it. If you plan ahead, there is no chance of something slipping through the cracks. 2. Establish a schedule. Present your team with a timeline of what aspect of the assignment should be done by what date. Having a visual record of project tasks and due dates gives your entire team something concrete they can work toward. 3. Assign responsibilities. Assemble your team to discuss what each person's responsibility in completing the project will be. Tell each team member, in detail, what his or her individual tasks are. Writing down a short description of the specific duties of each co-worker, outlining the specific duties they will need to perform, will help to ensure that the project is finished on time. 4. Check status regularly. Set up scheduled meetings to discuss how the task is progressing. Having regular meetings will ensure that all team members are up to speed on the status of the project. This will also make it easier for the team leader to address potential issues before they become obstacles to finishing the project on time. 5. Offer rewards. Offer possible incentives to motivate your team to work to their top potential. The rewards don't have to be substantial, just a little something to show that you appreciate their efforts. The rewards can be as simple as giving your team extra break times when parts of the project are completed or allowing individuals the opportunity to leave 15 minutes early. 6. Give credit where credit is due. When the project is completed, be sure to thank your team and tell them what great work they've done. Showing that you recognize the work that went into the project and that you appreciate the help of your co-workers will not only give them a sense of satisfaction, it will also help to make them eager to tackle the next project that arises. A project well done is a combination of good management and efficient teamwork. As long as your team members are involved and informed every step of the way, any project should be easy to tackle.