What I have learned about my teamwork skills
From the analysis carried out on my teamwork skills, I noticed that I am reasonably good as an encourager because I scored 8 out of the possible 12 points. I am an enthusiastic and humorous person. I often use these qualities to motivate members of my team. In most cases, I prefer confronting emerging issues by clarifying and suggesting ideas.
I also scored 9 points out of 12 as a compromiser (the University of Kent, n.d). Although this type of teamwork skill may be harmful when used in the wrong context, it has really helped me in strengthening my relationship with other team members. I have the ability to make my team members feel comfortable, bearing in mind that I am a sociable character. In some instances, I am easily influenced by a group decision at the expense of my personal choices.
My comprising name has also enabled me to blend well with group members in spite of their diverse characteristics. I am generally sensitive and diplomatic towards when relating with other people (the University of Kent, n.d).
My score as a summarizer was 7. This is slightly above average. I am not very good at summarizing group meetings, even though my fellow group members often think that I perform reasonably well in this area. Nonetheless, I can elaborate on ideas presented by other team members, especially on behalf of group members who are absent. As a matter of fact, I understand that I can seek consensus whenever there are diverging opinions due to good mediating skills.
What I have to work on to improve my teamwork effectiveness
On the other hand, I score poorly as an evaluator (6), ideas person (6), leader (5), and recorder (4). It is evident that these are some of the areas that I need to improve my teamwork skills. Since I score relatively high as a compromiser, it definitely lowers my score as an evaluator. There are several cases when I cannot control a group to avoid reaching a conclusion too quickly. I do not take a lot of time thinking about one issue. This explains why I have to increase my evaluation skills, especially when working with team members.
I am a low recorder, as well. I need to work on my ability to take notes on all essential deliberations made by team members. There are instances when I hardly record proceedings of meetings held by team members because I mainly prefer listening and perhaps retaining the details in my memory (the University of Kent, n.d). This habit has not augured well with me when working with groups because I tend to forget the vital facts discussed in previous meetings. Therefore, I plan to be a sound recorder of all proceedings held by team members.
My score as an ideas person was also average, and therefore, I need to boost my skills in this area. I am not very excellent at suggesting new ideas that can be adopted by team members because I often prefer the direction taken by the group. In other words, I dislike being practical when I am part of a team since I fear being labeled as an evil character.
Finally, my leadership skills are below par, according to the test I carried out. I am generally not good at controlling groups or teams. Worse still, I can hardly coordinate resources required by teams. I understand that units need individuals who offer guidance in spite of the negative response from team members. Lack of progress and complacency may hinder effective team performance. However, these are negative attributes that hardly bother me when engaged in teamwork.
Reference
University of Kent. (n.d). Team Work Skills. Web.