Emotions illuminate various levels of human engagement. In daily life, human interactions are influenced by both positive and negative emotions. Interaction between humans requires the coexistence of emotions. Team building requires emotional intelligence, according to Randy Taran’s book “Beyond Words”. A team’s success is dependent on emotional intelligence, as demonstrated in the book “Beyond Words,” while the opposite can lead to its downfall without empathy and effective communication. In spite of the fact that emotions play a crucial role in team performance, they are often overlooked at work. People with emotional awareness are better at handling conflicts and resolving them, they communicate more effectively with their colleagues, and they have more meaningful relationships.
The team should be a safe place for emotions to flow…knowing that different emotions will be triggered, but committed to seeing things through together. In addition to bringing the best out of everyone, it also brings loyalty. It is important to avoid when the focus of the team is on managing emotions rather than actually accomplishing goals. To promote open communication (individuals should know how to refrain from hurtful words), empathy (feeling with the person in the true sense), accepting all emotions (positive and negative) among team members, team members should respect each other without judging each other. One should work to sort out differences and sometimes learn to overlook the flaws that don’t matter. To effectively manage emotion, an individual should be aware of the emotion he or she brings to the table. It is unlikely that everyone will experience the same emotions at the same time. When such a scenario occurs, emotions become a part of a team’s collective function, i.e. collaboration.
As a result of my extensive readings, I feel the following strategies are essential for effective collaboration:
- Establish a clear purpose: The members of a team should all be aligned with the project’s aim in my mind.
- Work delegation with accountability and the expectation of the tasks to be set ahead of time. It is important for each member to understand how their contribution impacts the project outcome.
- Communication is an essential tool. When members talk it out, many unseen obstacles are overcome. Regardless of limitations or setbacks. Regrouping and open discussion are crucial to resolving problems and bringing the team closer together.
- Respect and trust (but not blindly) the individual’s decision and act: – Showing you believe the individual’s decision makes a shift for others to contribute. Talk to the member about a plan B when in doubt. Openness and acceptance can help individuals trust the process, the company, and the team in which they work. Respect is one thing, but it should be expressed through words and actions. Moreover, trust in an individual’s decision opens the door for others to contribute.
- Innovative and diverse perspectives- Keeping an open mind is an important part of a team’s growth. If eccentric or grandiose ideas are in line with the team’s goals, a team learns to work with them. Stepping back sometimes allows members of the group to take the lead. The team works as a WE rather than an I when perspectives are heard and taken into account.
- Unlearn, relearn and keep learning: The process of unlearning what you’ve learned and relearning from others can sometimes lead to a sense of admitting your ignorance and gaining knowledge. When someone has a growth mindset, it is easier to train and work with them.
- Celebration and gratitude: The morale of a team is boosted by showing gratitude for both the small and the big achievements.
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