The nature of work is constantly changing. These days there is no such thing as a 'job for life'. You are much more likely to work in a range of different organisations for shorter periods of time and with a wide range of different people. That's why the ability to get the best from working with others in teams is such an important skill. So, how can you make the transition into a new team as smooth and problem-free as possible?

Joining a new team

Sometimes, when you join a new team it is hard to 'fit in'. Teams grow used to each other and have their own ways of doing things. They often talk about things that happened before you started so you're not sure what they mean. They may use common language or jargon that you don't understand and this can make you feel excluded. Let's take a look at the steps you can take to become an effective team player.

Talking and planning

The most important thing when you join a new team is to talk to your team members if you are unsure about something. Talking helps to resolve issues before they turn into conflicts. In a new role it is likely that you will have a lot of new information to learn at once and it is always best to ask if you are unclear about something. But, good teamwork isn't just about talking; it's about planning too. Teams need to have a clear plan for the job that they have to do together in order to avoid confusion and mistakes.

Dealing with conflict

With new team members we sometimes don't explain things well if it's something we have done lots of times ourselves. Occasionally, even with members who have been part of the team for a long time, messages can get muddled or be unclear and conflict can erupt.

Here are some common reasons for team conflicts:

* Differences of opinion about how to do something.
* Different priorities (either personal or corporate).
* Unclear about who's responsible.
* Lack of co-operation.
* Not following guidelines or lack of instruction.
* Poor leadership.
* Team achievements or individual contributions to them are not valued.
* Poor quality work.

So, what you can you do if a team conflict erupts?

Handling conflict effectively is a key skill for an efficient team worker. Visualising your ability to handle situations is a really good way of getting to grips with conflict. Conflict should be handled with care and getting angry never helps. When tempers flare someone has to keep calm.

If you do become involved in a conflict, it is useful to use the Recall, Relive, Rewrite technique to avoid repeating the situation.

Simply follow these steps:

1. Recall how you handled a particular conflict situation.

2. Relive it. If you replayed the situation what would you do differently?

3. Write down how you felt when the conflict took place?

4. Rewrite it. Visualise yourself now in the same situation. In the present tense write some positive thoughts about yourself.

5. How do you feel now?

This technique should help you to view the conflict from a fresh perspective, recognise where things went wrong and work towards rectifying them for the future.

On the whole, the positive aspects of teamwork far outweigh the negative. Working in a team is a fulfilling way to accomplish major tasks and the sense of shared responsibility prevents you from feeling isolated in the workplace. To learn more about teamwork and other work related issues, click here to take a look at the range of free employment skills courses.

article from www.jobsite.co.uk