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Improving Work Environments: How Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Improving Work Environments: How Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Reading Time: 3 minutes

If you’ve had a long run in the labor world already, then you have heard the phrase, “teamwork makes the dream work.” Whether you’re a team member or leader, you’ve surely experienced the ups and downs of this statement. The exact combination of leadership skills, camaraderie, and effort allows you to experience the benefits of teamwork; on the other hand, if your company lacks quality management and synergy, you’d likely find yourself on the other side of the productivity fence. 

John C. Maxwell is the creator of this quote that many managers and companies have adopted as their motto. He stated it for the first time in his book of the same name in 2002. More than 20 years later, the principle prevails; in fact, it has gained relevance in the corporate environment over time.

Why is team building important? 

“There is an old saying attributed to John F. Kennedy that goes somewhat along the lines of ‘A rising tide lifts all boats.’ That’s saying could not be more relevant than in teamwork and the recruitment industry.”

Mark Herron, gpac Search Consultant.

Those who praise collaboration as the safest and most effective way of succeeding already know why teamwork makes the dream work. Still, for those who prefer to play solo, team building allows you to lean on others to complete tasks quickly and have more pairs of eyes reviewing your projects. 

Team building activities are a solid strategy practice to keep the chemistry in the workplace at its peak. By focusing on enhancing team bonding, you’ll improve communication among your coworkers, as well as your problem-solving skills. This will allow you to run collaborative procedures often and smoothly.

How to make it happen

To better understand why teamwork makes the dream work, compare it to a jigsaw puzzle. Even if each team member has a set of skills that work independently for specific tasks or situations, when you put all the pieces of the puzzle together, you get a full cohesive picture.

So, aside from embracing diversity in the workplace to build a distinctive but complementary team, here are other key components of successful teamwork.

Communication 

Communication must be one of the main foundations when you’re team building. To ensure teamwork makes the dream work, you’ll have to set the atmosphere and process that guarantees all teammates receive messages effectively.

“If we’re not communicating as a team, we’re missing out on opportunities that are there.”

Jennifer Thompson, gpac Director.

Finding the balance between formal and informal communication, talking and listening in equal measure, and keeping communication flowing are essential components of a solid team.

Approachability 

“Speaking about recruitment, once you have identified some great candidates, you’ll want to use your team to get the word ‘out on the streets’ with their clients about your exciting find.”

Mark Herron, gpac Search Consultant. 

This one goes hand in hand with the communication principle. Teamwork makes the dream work when everyone shows support and effort to play their part in making things happen. It’s about developing a team culture that encourages asking for advice or guidance when coworkers need it. 

“It’s building those relationships… it’s about setting the expectations of how we’re going to work together.”

Jennifer Thompson, gpac Director. 

Drawing the line between each other’s responsibilities is key to keeping team cooperation on point. Even if it seems obvious, avoid assumptions; it’s better to have everything on paper and keep communication flowing. For many gpac recruiters, that’s where collective success comes from, setting expectations and roles for every project they’re collaborating on. 

Accountability 

Accountability is another value that will enhance the quality of teamwork. Knowing your responsibility and having the certainty that everyone will take care of their part of the job will cultivate collaboration and trust within your team.

“As a youngster, I was a huge WWE fan, and every time I think of pulling out the big guns and using my associates, I am reminded of treating the opportunity to win the placement like a version of a tag team!”

Mark Herron, gpac Search Consultant.

Just like in the recruitment industry, there’s a special kind of satisfaction gained when coworkers reach goals together or help each other. Even if it’s not your own project, seeing others meet their objectives or receiving an A+ on their performance review gives that sense of a collective win. 

“As a team, we’re continuously connecting the dots. It’s about keeping each other on track and motivated. If somebody is having a bad day, then someone is lifting the other person up.”

Lori Bierschbach, gpac Director

Accountability goes beyond tasks. It’s also about keeping your team’s attitude on track and having each other’s backs; it’s about setting a growing environment that embraces self-criticism and openness about mistakes or concerns. 

Teamwork makes the dream work is a highly praised philosophy at gpac. Every employee at the company, from recruiters to corporate and administrative positions, knows the supportive culture and camaraderie are essential aspects for the digital recruitment platform to become part of the elite. If you see opportunity areas within your team, consider this a call to improve your team chemistry and take your company to the next level. 

Contributed by Luis Arellano, Mark Herron, Jennifer Thompson, and Lori Bierschbach

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