Guest post by Patricia Woloch
Whether in the workplace or on the football field, or even amongst members of a community, effective teamwork can produce incredible results. However, working successfully as a team is not as easy as it may seem. Effective teamwork certainly does not just happen automatically; it takes a great deal of hard work and compromise. There are a number of factors that must be in place to cohere together as a team and work seamlessly.
• Good leadership: Effective leadership is one of the most important components of good teamwork. The team’s leader should possess the skills to create and maintain a positive working environment and motivate and inspire the team members to take a positive approach to work and be highly committed. An effective team leader will promote a high level of morale and make them feel supported and valued.
• Clear communication: Communication is a vital factor of all interpersonal interaction and especially that of a team. Team members must be able to articulate their feelings, express plans and goals, share ideas and see each other’s viewpoints.
• Establishing roles: It is absolutely necessary for team members to understand what their role on the team is, what he/she is responsible for. The team leader can enable this by defining the purpose in a clear-cut manner in the beginning of the formation of the team.
• Conflict Resolution: Conflicts will arise no matter how well a team functions together. The best way to counter conflict is to have structured methods of conflict resolution. Team members should be able to voice their concerns without fear of offending others. Instead of avoiding conflict issues, a hands-on approach that resolves them quickly is much better. It is often advised that the team leader sit with the conflicting parties and help work out their differences without taking sides and trying to remain objective if possible.
• Set a good example: The team leader must set a good example for good teamwork to come about. In order to keep team members positive and committed and motivated, the team leader herself/himself needs to exhibit these qualities. The team looks to the leader for support and guidance so any negativity on the leader’s part can be disastrous.
Regardless of what type of sales you are in, you may one day be asked to be part of a team sales effort, and knowing how to effectively work on and with a team is going to be crucial to your success and that of your team.
Patricia Woloch is the author of over 900 articles on a variety of topics and published on the internet.
Filed under News, Sales and Marketing by on Dec 12th, 2011. Comment. 
By Wayne Mates
Last week I wrote a post, When is the Best Time to Start a Business?, about some of the factors in today’s economy that you should consider in deciding when to start a business. We considered consumer spending, economic growth, the Euro crisis, unemployment and the housing market.
. A year ago, I wrote a post about why you should start a business. In this week’s post, I submit now is a great time to start a business. Here is why the timing is right to do it now!
- People with Great Skills that You Need are Available – Even with the unemployment rate at 8.6%, there are 13.3 million people looking for work. You can add a couple million more that are underemployed and eager to use all their skills. I’d be willing to bet you can find wonderful enthusiastic folks to hire for every position you want to fill.
- Money is Readily Available – Need money? Banks are willing to lend if you have a great business plan and collateral. No collateral? Angel investors are flush with cash and willing to back a venture with a solid plan and a superb staff. Brush up on your presentation skills and hit the road. It’s out there if you know where to look. Each business niche has its own set of angels.
- It’s All About the Economy -As the U.S. economy slowly begins to grow, businesses and consumers are loosening up, spending more and making it easier to sell your products or services. The recession and slow growth has eliminated some competitors, opening markets for you. Buyers are very picky looking for value. If you sell to business, you need to not only show value, but also be able to demonstrate how your product or service will save them real bucks. A slow economy will also allow you to grow your business a little slower giving you the opportunity to work out any quirks in your business plan.
So, there you have it! Not only is this a good time to start a business, but the same factors dictate that it is also perfect timing to expand an existing business. It will never be easier. Now, get to work!! Your market waits!
Filed under Finance, News, Start Up by on Dec 5th, 2011. Comment.
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