A great deal has been written about the subject of teamwork in the workplace. Much of the literature on this subject addresses the formation of teams, leadership on teams, the functions of teams, evaluation of teams, and the characteristics of effective teamwork. It is certainly likely that an effective team has many traits or characteristics that combine to ensure that it is able to reach its goals and objectives in a manner that is conducive to a high level of performance. In this essay, the argument will be advanced that one of the most significant characteristics of an effective team centers on communication skills. In the view of Joseph D'O'Brien (1994), communication may well be the most significant aspect of effective workplace interactions and, unfortunately, many managers and others have trouble developing strong communication skills. Consequently, effective teams will be those in which communication skills are both valued and present.
Houze (2000) commented that one of the keys to good communication is knowing how to ask questions appropriately. He positions the art of asking questions as a practical skill that can be learned and as a skill which is necessary in order to become an effective communicator. Given that the work of teams involves bringing together an often quite different group of people from many disciplines or fields, learning to ask questions may be a necessary skill that moves such teams and their work forward.
Houze (2000) also points out that asking questions requires individuals to develop a mutually acceptable vocabulary and understanding of the meaning of words that are used. In teams, particularly those where the members are drawn from different fields with their own professional vocabularies, asking questions and communicating effectively becomes essential if misunderstandings are to be avoided.
Teams are also faced with the necessity of developing effective presentations whic...