Introduction
When working with an online group, team cohesiveness is crucial for sharing of information and improving each member’s knowledge. The main challenge that befalls online courses teams is how to develop cohesiveness with the team members who might come from different cultural, economical, social, and political background; however with strategic moves, the cohesion can be developed (Parker, 2009).
This paper discusses how to improve team cohesiveness and the benefits that will be attained from health cohesion.
Improving team cohesiveness
To improve cohesiveness among online members when conferencing members should be allowed to discuss matters that are outside the main topic for some time; although care should be exercised that the amount of time taken does not deviate the main topics to cover.
The matters that can bring people together include once culture, political situation in their country, some life experiences that they might have undergone and they are willing to share, hobbies and likes.
Other than communicating via the teleconferencing, members should be encouraged to be members of the same social network site as they will be able to discuss other issue of life that will facilitate them opening up and creating the much needed cohesion.
When it comes on the part of the course, the team should manage the course such that every member is given a chance to handle a certain topic them train the other members; with such moves, members will feel they are accountable of each other and their cohesion builds.
Another aspect that builds cohesion among people is conflicts management and sharing of experiences; in the case there will be an occurrence that calls for solving among the team members, every member should be involves in looking for a solution. When this happens, everyone will feel appreciated and a member of the larger team.
Benefits of team cohesion
When working with a team that has a healthy cohesion, every member feels accountable and answerable to the larger group, with the feeling everyone works for the good of the other and thus team spirit is facilitated.
When working in a team, communication and unselfish sharing of information is crucial, this can only be attained when the team has a good relation that is build through cohesion. There are times that conflicts among the members hinder the delivery of quality results, however when a team is well bonded, then such occurrences are unlikely to happen.
Teams that have strong cohesion among themselves are highly motivated and fulfill their tasks and obligations in the team effectively; they are willing to learn and be taught by their counterparts.
Motivation among members gives rise to high morale of fulfilling tasks that one has been allocated by the team and doing them diligently and on time. When challenged by other team members, member will be taking it positive and work to improve on the areas that have been pointed by others.
Teams with good cohesiveness among themselves attain their targets and objectives with ease (Crother-Laurin, 2006).
Conclusion
Team cohesion is crucial for performance improvement among team members; it creates team spirit and promotes accountability of each team member. To promote the growth of team cohesiveness, team members need to respect each other opinion and criticize others positively. Team with high cohesiveness perform better and are more likely to attain their goals and objectives with ease.
References
Crother-Laurin, C. (2006). Effective Teams: A Symptom of Healthy Leadership. The Journal for Quality and Participation, 29(3), 4.
Parker, G. ,(2009). Team Leadership: 20 Proven Tools for Success. New Jersey: Human Resource Development Press.