Lecture – 7

TEAM- WORK AND VOLUNTEERING

What is a Team?

Team Work is a combined action by a group of people, in which each person subordinates his
or her individual interests and views to the unity and efficiency of the group. The most
effectual teamwork is produced when all the individuals involved harmonize their
contributions and work towards a universal goal.
A team is a group of individuals, all working together for a common purpose. The
individuals comprising a team ideally should have common goals, common objectives
and more or less think on the same lines. Individuals who are not compatible with each
other can never form a team. They should have similar if not the same interests, thought
processes, attitude, perception and likings.
Or
A team is a group organized to work together to accomplish a set of objectives that cannot be
achieved effectively by individual.

Whereas, a group is not necessarily a team. A group can have individuals with varied
interests, attitude as well as thought processes. It is not necessary that the group members
would have a common objective or a common goal to achieve.

What Teamwork is not:

 Teamwork is not a group of people and one 'Star' doing all the work.
 Teamwork is hard when the leader just tells everyone what to do.
 Teamwork is strained when the team faces unrealistic deadlines.
 Teamwork is not just letting everyone have their own way.
 Teamwork is not always easy to achieve.
 Teamwork is not about reaching consensus on every issue.
 Teamwork suffers when team members quit or are asked to leave.
 Teamwork is not fostered when team members are not recognized in some way for
their contributions.

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Difference between Group and Team

“With a group, the whole is often equal to or less than the sum of its parts; with a team, the
whole is always greater.”

It is important to make a distinction between group work and team work, because there is a
difference. When students work in groups, often each student goes into isolation to work on a
specific part of an assignment, with no input from other team members. Towards the end of
the assignment, the group members might quickly combine each member’s section of a
document, for example, then upload the assignment for a grade. In this instance, very little
collaboration takes place and students can’t take advantage of the learning that often occurs
in teams. How ever, in a team project, students interact with one another on various aspects
of the assignment, collaboratively coming to a consensus and working together towards a
common goal. Each team member is aware of what the other team member is working on,
and the final deliverable for the assignment is very cohesive because of this. Therefore, a
team must have individuals with a common objective to achieve. They should all work
together and strive towards the achievement of a common goal.

Team members

The team members must complement each other. All team members should help each other
and work in unity. Personal interests must take a back seat and all of them must deliver their
level best to achieve the team objective. Team members must not argue among themselves or
underestimate the other member.

Team Size

The team size depends on the complexity of the task to be accomplished. Ideally a team
should consist of 7-10 members. Too many members also lead to confusions and
misunderstandings.

It is not always that we require a team. Teams should be formed when the task is a little
complicated. A single brain can sometimes not take all critical decisions alone, thus a team is
formed where the team members contribute equally making the task easy. A team can
actually create wonders if all the team members work in harmony. Success in the workplace
depends on your ability to build a team, as well as to interact with others on that team.

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Together, people are able to accomplish what one person alone cannot. This is known as
synergy.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD/EFFECTIVE TEAM

 A clear, elevating goal: This is a goal which has been communicated to all.
 A results-driven structure: The goal has been jointly decided by all the team
members. They are fully committed towards achieving it.
 Competent members: Each team member has the required skill set in order to
achieve the team objectives.
 Unified commitment: There is nothing happening in silos. With the total
commitment from team members, achieving organizational goals becomes easier.
 A collaborative climate: Commitment from team members and a good leadership
leads to a collaborative team with a productive work environment.
 Standards of excellence: Quality orientation is vital to the success of any
organization.
 External support and recognition: Appreciation as well as appraisal is required to
keep the morale of the team high.
 Principled leadership: Leadership defines a team. An able-bodied leadership can
chart the team’s path to success.
 Each team member participates actively and positively in meetings as well as projects.
This shows a person’s commitment as well as understanding towards a project.
 Team goals are clearly understood by all: Communication is vital for achieving
successful completion of any project.
 Individual members have thought about creative solutions to the team’s problem.
Thinking out of the box is vital in today’s economic scenario.
 Listening is an important skill for any team. Each team member is important. The
thoughts and ideas of each team member have to be listened to, with respect, no
matter how silly they may sound at first.
 Everyone takes the initiative in order to get things done. There is no concept of
passing the buck. This is an indication of clear communication leading to
understanding of individual responsibilities.
 Each team member trusts the judgment of others: Mutual trust and respect is
highly important for the team. This is the only way to achieve the organization goals.

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  The team has to be willing to take risks: Risk taking is an attitude which comes
with confidence. Confidence on yourself as well as on the team, besides the ability to
face all consequences.
 Dissenting opinions are never ignored: In fact, they are always recorded in order to
be revisited in case the future situations dictate so.
 Teams are given realistic deadlines: External support as well as aid is vital to the
success of any team.

An efficient team needs support from both inside and outside. It needs to meet the individual
needs of its members in order to achieve the organization’s goals

IMPORTANCE OF TEAM AND TEAM WORK

Teams are formed when individuals with a common taste, preference, liking, and attitude
come and work together for a common goal. Teams play a very important role in
organizations as well as our personal lives.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is

success - Henry Ford”

The above proverb by Henry Ford can very well highlight the importance of working together
in teams.

Every employee is dependent on his fellow employees to work together and contribute
efficiently to the organization. No employee can work alone; he has to take the help of his
colleagues to accomplish the tasks efficiently. It has been observed that the outcome comes
out to be far better when employees work in a team rather than individually as every
individual can contribute in his best possible way. In organizations, individuals having a
similar interest and specializations come together on a common platform and form a team.

Team work is essential for better output and a better bonding among employees.

 No organization runs for charity. Targets must be met and revenues have to be
generated. Tasks must not be kept pending for a long time and ought to be completed
within the desired timeframe. A single brain can’t always come with solutions or take
decisions alone. He needs someone with whom he can discuss his ideas. In a team,

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 every team member has an equal contribution and each team member comes out with
a solution best suited to the problem. All the alternatives can be explored to come out
with the best possible solution. Thoughts can be discussed among the team members
and the pros and cons can be evaluated.
 Tasks are accomplished at a faster pace when it is done by a team rather than an
individual. An individual will definitely take more time to perform if he is single
handedly responsible for everything. When employees work together, they start
helping each other and responsibilities are shared and thus it reduces the work load
and work pressure. Every team member is assigned one or the other responsibility
according to his specialization, level of interest and thus the output is much more
efficient and faster.
 Work never suffers or takes a backseat in a team. Singh was taking care of an
important client and was the only one coordinating with them. Singh took a long leave
and there was no one else who could handle the client in his absence. When he joined
back after a long vacation, the organization had already lost the client. Had Singh
worked in a team, others could have taken the charge when he was not there. In a
team, the other team members can perform and manage the work in the absence of
any member and hence work is not affected much.
 There is always a healthy competition among the team members. Competition is
always good for the employee as well as the organization as every individual feels
motivated to perform better than his other team member and in a way contributing to
his team and the organization.
 Team work is also important to improve the relations among the employees.
Individuals work in close coordination with each other and thus come to know each
other better. Team work also reduces the chances of unnecessary conflicts among the
employees and every individual tries his level best to support his team member. The
level of bonding increases as a result of team work.
 Team members can also gain from each other. Every individual is different and has
some qualities. One can always benefit something or the other from his team members
which would help him in the long run. Everyone is hungry for recognitions and
praises. One feels motivated to work hard in a team and to live up to the expectations
of the other members. Each member is a critic of the other and can correct him
whenever the other person is wrong. One always has someone to fall back on at the
time of crisis.
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Team and team work must be encouraged at workplace as it strengthens the bond among the
employees and the targets can be met at a faster pace. Workload is shared and individuals feel
motivated to perform better than his team members.

GUIDE LINES FOR EFFECTIVE TEAM MEMBER

 Contribute ideas and solutions

 Recognize and respect differences in others
 Value the ideas and contributions of others
 Listen and share information
 Ask questions and get clarification
 Participate fully and keep your commitments
 Be flexible and respect the partnership created by a team -- strive for the "win-win"
 Have fun and care about the team and the outcomes.

VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity and is intended to promote
good or improve human quality of life. In return, this activity produces a feeling of self-worth
and respect; however, there is no financial gain. Volunteering is also renowned for skill
development, socialization, and fun. It is also intended to make contacts for possible
employment. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as
medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Others serve on an as-needed basis, such as in
response to a natural disaster.
Volunteering can be defined as any activity that involves spending time, unpaid,
doing something that aims to benefit the environment or someone (individuals or groups)
other than, or in addition to, close relatives. Central to this definition is the fact that
volunteering must be a choice freely made by each individual. This can include formal
activity undertaken through public, private and voluntary organisations as well as informal
community participation.

Who can volunteer?

Anyone can volunteer. You can volunteer irrespective of whatever your age, background or
work experience you have. But you should have a skill that someone needs. No matter how
busy you are, there will be something that you can do. It is little difficult to find volunteer
roles if you are under 16, but not impossible.

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 Who is a Volunteer?

A volunteer is a person that has a spirit of service, creativity, sensitivity for human pain,
strong moral values, the ability to work in a team, and a social conscience. They practice
solidarity, leadership, good interpersonal relationships, discipline, communication skills, and
care for themselves and for others.

What is volunteer work?

Formally, volunteer work is work done not for profit. It contributes to a greater cause that is
for the good of your fellow man and society in general.

What motivates a person to do volunteer work?

Volunteers do work for two reasons:

 For reasons that are ideological, ethical, and moral; that give them a sense of the needs and
problems of other. They want to do something that will better society, change situations, and
transform the world.

 For personal reasons: to feel useful, to know and live new experiences, to develop as a
person, to build relationships, and to work with others.

A volunteer has many motivations:

 To be and feel useful

 For the satisfaction to do good and to do it well

 For fun and to break routine

 To learn, in the biggest sense of the word

 To give back to the society and humanity for which we have been given

 To meet people with interests like yours

 For the knowledge that you served as a volunteer

 To be able to help and share some knowledge or a talent

Four Keys to Being an Effective Volunteer:

 Voluntary. The action of volunteering is the result of free choice. It is a personal option to
not receive compensation for the work you do. Your personal motivations give you the
greatest satisfaction.

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 Solidarity. Volunteer action only functions when it is in agreement with others; where the
interest is collective. Volunteering is a way to give an answer to the needs, problems, and
social interests we see every day. Volunteer action is a promise of solidarity to create a better
life for all.

 Action. Volunteering is not only a moral value. It does. It’s action. If we sit as a good person
and citizen but we do not make a move, we will be left empty. The one thing that creates
change in this world is action.

 Organization. The goal of each volunteer is to improve reality, transform the world, and be
effective. A volunteer requires organized action, uniting forces to make a difference. For that
reason, volunteer work should be organized, systematic, and collective. It requires
organization from its associations and foundations.

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of
volunteering are enormous to you, your family, and your community. The right match can
help you find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and even advance your
career. Volunteering can also help protect your mental and physical health. Learn more about
the many benefits of volunteering and find tips on getting started as a volunteer.

1. Volunteering connects you to others

One of the better-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Unpaid
volunteers are often the glue that holds a community together. Volunteering allows you to
connect to your community and make it a better place. However, volunteering is a two-way
street, and it can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help.
Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and
boost your social skills.

2. Volunteering helps you make new friends and contacts

One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit
to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if
you are new to an area. Volunteering also strengthens your ties to the community and

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broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests,
neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.

3. Volunteering increases your social and relationship skills

While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new
people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills,
since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests. Once you
have momentum, it’s easier to branch out and make more friends and contacts.

4. Volunteering is good for your mind and body

Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health.

 Volunteering increases self-confidence. Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to

your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. You are doing good for others
and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a
volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel
about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future
goals.
 Volunteering combats depression. Reducing the risk of depression is another
important benefit of volunteering. A key risk factor for depression is social isolation.
Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid
support system, which in turn protects you against stress and depression when you’re
going through challenging times.
 Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Volunteering is good for your
health at any age, but it’s especially beneficial in older adults. Studies have found that
those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not, even when
considering factors like the health of the participants. Volunteering has also been
shown to lessen symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease.

5. Volunteering can advance your career

If you’re considering a new career, volunteering can help you get experience in your area of
interest and meet people in the field. Even if you’re not planning on changing careers,
volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace,

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such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management, and
organization. You might feel more comfortable stretching your wings at work once you’ve
honed these skills in a volunteer position first.

6. Volunteering can provide career experience

Volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term
commitment. It is also a great way to gain experience in a new field. In some fields, you can
volunteer directly at an organization that does the kind of work you’re interested in. For
example, if you’re interested in nursing, you could volunteer at a hospital or a nursing home.
Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships that
could be of benefit to your career.

7. Volunteering can teach you valuable job skills

Just because volunteer work is unpaid does not mean the skills you learn are basic. Many
volunteering opportunities provide extensive training. For example, you could become an
experienced crisis counselor while volunteering for a women’s shelter or a knowledgeable art
historian while donating your time as a museum docent.

Volunteering can also help you build upon skills you already have and use them to benefit the
greater community. For instance, if you hold a successful sales position, you raise awareness
for your favorite cause as a volunteer advocate, while further developing and improving your
public speaking, communication, and marketing skills.

8. When it comes to volunteering, passion and positivity are the only requirements

While learning new skills can be beneficial to many, it’s not a requirement for a fulfilling
volunteer experience. Bear in mind that the most valuable skills you can bring to any
volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to do whatever is needed, and a
positive attitude.

9. Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life

Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions. Doing volunteer
work you find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your

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day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commitments. Volunteering also provides you
with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and
professional life.

Many people volunteer in order to make time for hobbies outside of work as well. For
instance, if you have a desk job and long to spend time outdoors, you might consider
volunteering to help plant a community garden, lead local hikes, or help at a children’s camp.

10. Consider your goals and interests

You will have a richer and more enjoyable volunteering experience if you first take some
time to identify your goals and interests. Start by thinking about why you want to volunteer.
Also think about what you would enjoy doing. Volunteer opportunities that match both your
goals and your interests are most likely to be fun and fulfilling for you.

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