Embedded Files
Unit 3
Unit 3
Collaboration
Collaboration
The importance of collaboration and teamwork
Working in a diverse team
Friendliness vs. Friends
How to improve your teamwork skills
Giving and receiving feedback
Be the person everyone wants to work with
This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.
-Author Unknown
The Importance of Collaboration and Teamwork
The Importance of Collaboration and Teamwork
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
Collaboration at work increases productivity
Almost all jobs require that you work with others
Employers want to hire people with collaboration skills
What does Collaboration mean?
What does Collaboration mean?
Collaboration in the workplace means people working well together for a common purpose. This could be a team of co-workers, an employee and supervisor, a customer and an employee, partners in one’s industry.
The Wisdom of Geese - YouTube
If you are an employer, why would you want someone who has collaboration and team work skills?
Name a job where you will never have to collaborate or work with anyone?
Quote from an Employer
Employers have stated that teamwork is one of the most highly sought-after skills in today’s labour market.
Teamwork Skills Quiz Activity
Teamwork Skills Quiz Activity
All the quiz questions can be done one at a time with the group.
All the quiz questions can be done one at a time with the group.
Eat Your Career
Eat Your Career
“Helping You Create a Nourishing Professional Life.”
“Helping You Create a Nourishing Professional Life.”
Are You a Team Player?
Are You a Team Player?
Letʼs face it: Everyone wants to be a team player. And most people think they are. But we know thatʼs not true. Some people are so consumed with their own work; they forget to support their team—or they flat out donʼt care.
Letʼs face it: Everyone wants to be a team player. And most people think they are. But we know thatʼs not true. Some people are so consumed with their own work; they forget to support their team—or they flat out donʼt care.
It isnʼt always easy to be a part of a team. In fact, it's sometimes a real pain! But itʼs an absolute necessity in the workplace. You simply have to be willing to collaborate and pitch in when needed in order to achieve success. After all, if you donʼt help your team, they wonʼt help you. And no one man (or woman) can do it alone!
It isnʼt always easy to be a part of a team. In fact, it's sometimes a real pain! But itʼs an absolute necessity in the workplace. You simply have to be willing to collaborate and pitch in when needed in order to achieve success. After all, if you donʼt help your team, they wonʼt help you. And no one man (or woman) can do it alone!
So, are you really a team player? Or do you just think you are? Take this quiz to find out!
So, are you really a team player? Or do you just think you are? Take this quiz to find out!
Instructions
Instructions
Read each of the following statements. Respond to each by asking yourself if you feel this way:
Read each of the following statements. Respond to each by asking yourself if you feel this way:
Most of the Time = Give yourself 3 points
Sometimes = Give yourself 2 points
Never = Give yourself 1 point
Most of the Time = Give yourself 3 points
Sometimes = Give yourself 2 points
Never = Give yourself 1 point
(Notice there is no option for ALL the time – thatʼs just not realistic!)
(Notice there is no option for ALL the time – thatʼs just not realistic!)
1. When I see my teammates struggling, I offer to help even when Iʼm busy with my own work. ______
1. When I see my teammates struggling, I offer to help even when Iʼm busy with my own work. ______
2. When a task needs to be done and no one else wants to do it, I volunteer. ______
2. When a task needs to be done and no one else wants to do it, I volunteer. ______
3. I always offer my opinion but I am willing to compromise for the good of the team. ______
3. I always offer my opinion but I am willing to compromise for the good of the team. ______
4. When everyone else is working late on a project Iʼm involved with, I will usually stick around too. ______
4. When everyone else is working late on a project Iʼm involved with, I will usually stick around too. ______
5. When I receive praise, I am quick to share credit with my teammates. ______
5. When I receive praise, I am quick to share credit with my teammates. ______
6. I feel that team goals are just as important as my individual goals. ______
6. I feel that team goals are just as important as my individual goals. ______
7. I want to see my fellow team members succeed. ______
7. I want to see my fellow team members succeed. ______
8. I enjoy working with the people on my team. ______
8. I enjoy working with the people on my team. ______
9. I respect the people on my team and appreciate their unique opinions, perspectives and ways of doing things.___
9. I respect the people on my team and appreciate their unique opinions, perspectives and ways of doing things.___
10. I feel that my work is better when Iʼm working with my team. ______
10. I feel that my work is better when Iʼm working with my team. ______
Click to score your answers:
Click to score your answers:
If you have 25 to 30 points:
If you have 25 to 30 points:
Congratulations! Youʼve got teamwork down to a science. You recognize the importance of supporting and contributing to your team. Youʼve built some strong relationships, established a reputation for being a hard worker, and youʼve really got your priorities straight. Your teammates certainly appreciate it. By building, and being a part of, a strong team, you can feel confident that your career future is bright. You have a network of colleagues who know and respect your work – and thatʼs a huge benefit in the professional world. Youʼve also got people who will support you when you need a little help. More than likely, you wonʼt even have to ask. When you need it, your team will be there.
Congratulations! Youʼve got teamwork down to a science. You recognize the importance of supporting and contributing to your team. Youʼve built some strong relationships, established a reputation for being a hard worker, and youʼve really got your priorities straight. Your teammates certainly appreciate it. By building, and being a part of, a strong team, you can feel confident that your career future is bright. You have a network of colleagues who know and respect your work – and thatʼs a huge benefit in the professional world. Youʼve also got people who will support you when you need a little help. More than likely, you wonʼt even have to ask. When you need it, your team will be there.
If you have 20 to 24 points:
If you have 20 to 24 points:
Well done! Youʼre on your way to being a truly strong team player. Right now, youʼre a team player some of the time. While thatʼs perfectly acceptable, itʼs not ideal. Your team needs to depend on you. They need to know that youʼre a part of the team always. Contributing only occasionally might even be counterproductive. After all, you want to show that youʼre a loyal and enthusiastic member, not just a “fair weather” friend. Look at this list of questions again and consider where you could do more to show your support for the team. Youʼre so close – just put in that small, added effort and the results will be dramatic.
Well done! Youʼre on your way to being a truly strong team player. Right now, youʼre a team player some of the time. While thatʼs perfectly acceptable, itʼs not ideal. Your team needs to depend on you. They need to know that youʼre a part of the team always. Contributing only occasionally might even be counterproductive. After all, you want to show that youʼre a loyal and enthusiastic member, not just a “fair weather” friend. Look at this list of questions again and consider where you could do more to show your support for the team. Youʼre so close – just put in that small, added effort and the results will be dramatic.
If you have 10 to 19 points:
If you have 10 to 19 points:
Ok, how do I put this gently…? You probably wonʼt be voted MVP anytime soon. You might be one of those people who think theyʼre a team player but really, youʼre not quite following through on the actions. You answered “sometimes” or “never” quite a bit on this test. Maybe youʼre getting along just fine this way – youʼre doing your job and getting things done. But remember that being a part of a strong team can be an incredible asset in the future. You may be doing fine right now, but once you hit a rough patch, where will you be?
Ok, how do I put this gently…? You probably wonʼt be voted MVP anytime soon. You might be one of those people who think theyʼre a team player but really, youʼre not quite following through on the actions. You answered “sometimes” or “never” quite a bit on this test. Maybe youʼre getting along just fine this way – youʼre doing your job and getting things done. But remember that being a part of a strong team can be an incredible asset in the future. You may be doing fine right now, but once you hit a rough patch, where will you be?
If youʼve been contributing and supporting your team, theyʼll step up and help you when things are tough. But if youʼve been more concerned with doing your own thing, watch out. You might not have anyone to lean on when you need it. Iʼm not saying being a little selfish is always bad. But remember that a team relationship is reciprocal. You give some; you get some. Take a good look at this list and see what kinds of things youʼre failing to do on a regular basis. Maybe itʼs time to step it up a bit and focus on helping your team.
If youʼve been contributing and supporting your team, theyʼll step up and help you when things are tough. But if youʼve been more concerned with doing your own thing, watch out. You might not have anyone to lean on when you need it. Iʼm not saying being a little selfish is always bad. But remember that a team relationship is reciprocal. You give some; you get some. Take a good look at this list and see what kinds of things youʼre failing to do on a regular basis. Maybe itʼs time to step it up a bit and focus on helping your team.
If you want to be more of a team player, start by doing the followings things at your next job.
If you want to be more of a team player, start by doing the followings things at your next job.
Support each other and don’t let one person do an unfair amount of work.
Help increase morale. Try to make a pleasant work environment for everyone.
Put your own feelings aside when a job needs to get done and the team needs you.
Care about the team and its success – even if you don’t love your job.
Show that you respect and care about the needs of the business and/or customers.
Show commitment – work late or go the extra mile when needed.
Be flexible – even if it’s not in your job description.
Don’t leave messes for other people – in the kitchen, at your desk, on the line or on site.
Most importantly: Be positive! No one likes being around the grumpy complainer.
Working in a diverse team
Working in a diverse team
When you are in the workplace you will encounter many different people who you are going to collaborate with you and be part of a team.
What does diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace mean to you?
Microaggressions
Microaggressions
What is a microaggression?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, it is a statement, action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle or often unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group such as a racial or ethnic minority.
Many people who engage in microaggressions may or may not be saying or doing these things on purpose.
Examples of microaggressions
A patient is in a waiting room awaiting the doctor, a female medical practitioner walks it and the patient assumes she is the nurse, not the doctor
An individual meets someone who is a visible minority and askes them where are they “really from”
Saying to an Asian person, “you must be good at math?
Saying to an older person “You actually know what Instagram is”
Give 3 more examples of microaggressions
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
Almost everyone has committed a microaggression at some point in their lives, nobody is perfect. If you do happen to commit a microaggression it is helpful to see this as a learning opportunity. Listen to what the other person has to say, acknowledge the impact it has caused, and apologize.
If you are on the receiving end of a microaggression
There are several ways to handle being on the receiving end of a microaggression. You will need to determine how much of an investment you want to make in confronting the individual. If the relationship is an important one, it is best to address this issue. Express your concerns keeping in mind your relationship with the other person. You have every right to address this and for it to be taken seriously.
Honour your feelings, it is ok to be angry, frustrated, embarrassed, disappointed, sad or whatever you are feeling. There are consequences to each action, keeping quiet and speaking up. You need to determine what is best for you
If this happens in a work setting and you are unsure how to proceed, you can speak to your supervisor or someone you trust at work to assist you in sorting this out
Microaggressions in the Workplace - YouTube
Being part of an inclusive and equitable team
Being part of an inclusive and equitable team
Take some time to learn about different cultures, races, religions, and backgrounds of your co-workers. Ask co-workers to share customs and holidays from their cultures. Do not overstep when being curious – people may want their privacy. Become familiar with diversity related terms (in the glossary)
Have a better understanding of varying perspectives and view points
Treat people the way they would like to be treated NOT how you would like to be treated. Social activities and practices that you find enjoyable and comfortable may not be enjoyable or comfortable for everyone
Be engaged in the diversity effort. You can volunteer to be part of a DEI committee, organize inclusive events, promote an inclusive workplace, etc. Ask your supervisor how you can get involved
Be mindful of micro-aggressions. Use people’s preferred pronouns. Be aware of your unconscious biases and stereotypes
Do not tell offensive jokes that may alienate those who are different from you — even if they are not present at the time. Always be respectful!
Support your co-workers and be open to ideas different from your own; remember how boring life would be if we were all the same
Understand and embrace diversity. It includes culture, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, education level, geographic location, socio-economic background, thought, along with others. Everyone comes to the workplace with different experiences and knowledge and adds value to a team because of the differences
Be willing to be open to feedback and accept it with respect; listen to the concerns of those around you
Be open minded and willing to learn from others
Contribute to a positive work environment
Employer's Perspective
Employer's Perspective
In your groups discuss
In your groups discuss
One of your staff uses a wheelchair and requires a specific mode of transportation method that is not available until a certain time of the day. Therefore, they need to come in a little later than everyone else to be able to get to work. A second staff person tells you this is really unfair that they have to be on time if the other person doesn’t. What do you do?
A good team member will work together with all individuals to ensure a positive work environment. They will support their team members if they see someone being mistreated by a co-worker.
In your groups read the quotes below, pick 3 and rank them in order. You all must agree which ones you like best explain why you like it.
"Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”– Maya Angelou
"Inclusivity means not ‘just we’re allowed to be there,’ but we are valued. I’ve always said: smart teams will do amazing things, but truly diverse teams will do impossible things". -Claudia Brind-Woody
"Unity, not uniformity, must be our aim. We attain unity only through variety. Differences must be integrated, not annihilated, not absorbed". -Mary Parker Follett
"A boat doesn’t go forward if everyone is rowing their own way." -Swahili Proverb
“Teamwork, simply stated, is less ME and more WE”. -Anonymous
“Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success”. -Anonymous
“Never judge someone by the way they look, or a book by the way it's covered; for inside those tattered pages, there's a lot to be discovered”― Stephen Cosgrove
“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” – Oprah Winfrey
Friendliness vs. Friends: The Difference
Friendliness vs. Friends: The Difference
Do I have to be friends with everyone at work?
Do I have to be friends with everyone at work?
This is a personal choice. Not everyone wants to be friends with people at work, although you do need to be considerate, respectful, and professional with everyone in your workplace.
If you would like to make friends at work, you can
If you would like to make friends at work, you can
ask your colleague opened ended questions (when the time is appropriate)
be friendly, smile and acknowledge coworkers when they walk into a space maybe the kitchen or a boardroom
take the first step, ask them if they would like to grab a coffee or lunch together
although don’t push it too much be patient, building relationships take time
offer support; if you have completed your assignments you can offer to help them
keep your conversations professional and don’t get too personal or pry, especially at the beginning
stay away from being exclusive, only friends with a certain group of people at work
How to improve your teamwork skills
How to improve your teamwork skills
Teamwork skills are just like any other skills. They can be practiced and improved. Here's the steps you can take to improve your teamwork skills:
Be open to feedback
Be solution- focused
Respect others’ ideas
Actively communicate
Acknowledge and appreciate
Be humble
See things from your coworkers perspective – team work might look different for different personalities; we are not all the same,
Recognizing everyone on the team has different strengths, skills, and weaknesses
Remember that equity does not always mean equality
Be honest and supportive
Maintain a positive attitude
Listen – ask people about themselves and listen and be curious
Help others to participate – sometimes people need a little encouragement
Ask for feedback and be open to improving your work
Good and Bad Teamwork Example - YouTube
Giving and Receiving Feedback
Giving and Receiving Feedback
Constructive Feedback
Constructive Feedback
Key Lessons
Key Lessons
In any job, it is important to gain insight into your work and to seek out and receive constructive feedback regarding your work. Often supervisors will have annual feedback/performance meetings with their front-line staff to give feedback regarding job performance. However, some people will take this very personally and it can cause stress at work. Feedback on your work performance is meant to improve things, not cause harm, or attack you.
When you are receiving feedback, here are some things to remember
When you are receiving feedback, here are some things to remember
If you don’t receive any feedback on your work, how will you know where you stand and how can you improve?
Have self-control - getting angry or frustrated is not going to help things when receiving feedback
Listen carefully and note the things you can improve on; don’t blame others, or complain
If you are giving or receiving here are some important tips
If you are giving or receiving here are some important tips
Take a minute to determine how you are going to communicate the feedback
Always have patience when giving feedback and receive feedback
Give concrete suggestions to improve
Do not attack their personality
Do not take it personally
Summarize what you have heard so both parties are clear
Have an action plan how to move forward
In these workplace scenarios, determine how you are going to give your co-worker feedback (you are not the supervisors just a co-worker)
They are always leaving their dirty dishes in the kitchen, and they don’t clean up common spaces
When you say hi and smile, they do not acknowledge you
They constantly run out the door at the end of the day, which leaves you to lock up
You hear them gossiping all the time about everyone in the office
Employer's Perspective
Employer's Perspective
In your groups discuss
In your groups discuss
You are a manager at a construction site, which is in a private home, one of your staff is swearing all the time. How would you give them feedback?
Read the following 5 points and rank them from 1 -5 in terms of importance.
Be a Team Player
___ Get things done - don’t procrastinate
___ Look for solutions - don’t blame others
___ Recognize others and their work - don’t take all the credit
___ Identify the positive things about your team - don’t be negative about your team
___ Ask: What can I contribute to help make the team successful?
Activity How to Be the Team Player That Everyone Wants to Work With
Instructions: Answer the questions below
1. Pitch in On the Small Stuff
Do you ever leave the copy machine empty of paper, or take the last cup of coffee? If you do, co-workers may not see you as part of the team. If they can't rely on you to help out with the little jobs at work, they won't rely on you for help with projects or heavy work. Help with any small job if you see a need.
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? ________________________________________________
Give examples of small jobs that you have helped out with at work or school.
2. Be Reliable
Part of being a team player is being someone that others can count on. Show up to work on time, meet deadlines, and do what you said you would do. Reliable and consistent performance will impress your boss and teammates, and your loyalty will be returned.
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? ________________________________________________
Give an example when someone at work let you down.
3. Get to Know Your Co-workers
Knowing a bit about your co-workers may help you to be more considerate. For example, if you know a co-worker has to leave early to attend a child's championship game, you could help out by staying later to cover his shift. They may return the favour.
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? ________________________________________________
Give an example when someone had your back.
4. Learn Flexibility
Be flexible enough to try something new. Come in a little early or stay late to help meet a group goal. Being flexible shows willingness to do what's best for the team.
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? _______________________________________________
Give an example when you showed flexibility at work. What was the result?
5. Respect Your Co-workers
Don't gossip or make fun of co-workers. Co-workers won't trust someone that mocks them behind their backs. Treat them the way they would like to be treated.
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? _______________________________________________
What advice would you give to a co-worker who doesn’t like someone assigned to their team?
6. Set the Example
Don’t worry if someone isn’t always doing their job or doesn’t seem to care. Simply decide to set the example and show your team members what hard work, passion and dedication looks like. You will be noticed, even when you think no one is watching.
Do you agree with this? Yes ___ No___ Why? _______________________________________________
Debrief/Unpack the Unit
Debrief/Unpack the Unit
What did you learn from this Unit?
Any AHA! moments
Final Activity
Final Activity
What actions do you need to take to be good collaborator and team player?
Congratulations!
You have completed
Unit 3: Collaboration
Congratulations!
You have completed
Unit 3: Collaboration
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse