The following is based on a presentation about teamwork from a group problem solving session, as well as additional notes and thoughts on the topic. The information in the presentation, as well as the notes that follow, expand upon this concept. The concept of teamwork has made good progress up to this point, with recognition of at least some benefits of teamwork, and recognition that active support is required to make teamwork possible. The next step is recognition that teamwork is an activity in itself, that it requires time and resources. The paradigm shift required to reach this state is to recognize that teams run on human energy, and that human energy is a resource which requires attention, encouragement, and renewal.
Teamwork is that aspect of a project which focuses on enhancing the human element.
This enhancement can take many forms, including training, recognition, and teambuilding activities. Active support of teamwork assumes recognition that teamwork is a skill that requires practice and self-evaluation. Active support of teamwork is acceptance that high performance is voluntary, and that teamwork provides a structure and an environment in which individuals will feel motivated to offer their best to a project. Paradigm Shifts Active teamwork involves several paradigm shifts. Understanding these paradigm shifts is necessary to understand the recommendations that follow this section.