The case of a nonprofit, Imagine You, shows how ineffective communication and a lack of professionalism inhibit project planning. The team is working on the annual fundraiser campaign, and three volunteers with different backgrounds are asked to participate. The organization’s CEO must implement communication strategies to improve teamwork and increase productivity.
The first issue in the presented scenario is the lack of a defined goal for the fundraiser – non of the team members know what the event’s final result should be. Second, not all team members are prepared to listen to one another’s suggestions, which is apparent in some of Jim’s responses. Finally, as can be seen in Nan’s demeanor, team members do not show professionalism in their behavior.
The team’s strength lies in diverse experiences with nonprofit work and occupations outside the organization. However, its members cannot work effectively because they do not engage in meaningful discussion. To increase professionalism, team members should communicate respectfully, especially when disagreeing with someone’s opinion. As Gordon (2018) points out, positive communication creates a strong team. Next, they should have a positive attitude instead of viewing each suggestion as improbable. Third, it is crucial to maintain a polite tone and avoid letting emotions out of control.
In the scenario, the CEO can assume the leadership position while allowing the team members to suggest ideas. The benefit of having a leader is the ability to establish an end goal and keep the team members on the path toward it. Thompson (2015) finds that a leader can show others the value of the project. However, if a leader is not influential, the team may not feel connected to the project and become disinterested. To lead the team and increase productivity, the CEO can clarify goals, encourage positive feedback, initiate brainstorming, and move the discussion in a positive direction.
To conclude, the team in the present scenario lacks professionalism, emotional control, active listening, and positive feedback. As a result, the members dismiss each other’s points and act unprofessionally. A leader can motivate the team to go in the right direction and clarify goals. Without a person in a leadership role, the team may not build good connections and create a successful project in time.
References
Gordon, J. (2018). The power of a positive team: Proven principles and practices that make great teams great. John Wiley & Sons.
Thompson, M. (2015). Characteristics of successful teams. Author.