If you’ve ever participated in a job interview or selection process, you’ve undoubtedly heard the following question: do you know how to work in a group? Developing group activities efficiently and quickly is an increasingly required skill in hiring processes.

Group work happens when several people work together to accomplish a task, each person has a specific function, but the objective is only one. In addition to streamlining the performance of duties, teamwork seeks to value everyone, encourage the development and improvement of their skills, and, of course, allow an exchange of experiences and knowledge among the team, which generates more integration. The work environment is much more productive and healthier when the team works together, and everyone is more motivated and ready to face challenges.

If group work efforts are joint to reach the same objective, the achievements and failures must also be the responsibility of all members. The keyword of teamwork is sharing; the members need to share everything.

Some professionals are included in groups but work individually and are only concerned with completing their tasks. You need to know what other group members are doing and recognize the importance of these tasks to the result. It is essential to understand how to help and receive help.

The advantages of working in a group are many for the members and the company. Although the ability to work in a group is very sought after and valued by the market today, it is a seven-headed beast for many professionals.

Accepting “points” from colleagues about your work, losing focus due to having to keep up with the various tasks of the group, having to defend your opinion between several different views, and many other challenges of group work cause panic in many people.

If you find it very difficult to work in a group, you can, and should, try to develop this ability. Of course, according to your limits and your personality. Some professionals produce much more alone, and managers must respect that individuality.

But as the saying goes, “unity is strength.” At some point in your career, group work will be essential, and you need to be prepared. To help you face this challenge, we’ve separated some tips for working in a group, so keep reading to learn more.

Know how to manage conflicts

A group is made up of people with different values ​​and cultures. When they all work towards a common goal, it is challenging to prevent conflicts from arising. It is imperative to know how to deal with them on a day-to-day basis. Talk, clarify the facts and try to reconcile needs to try to alleviate moments of tension in the team.

Be patient

It is challenging to deal with all the diversity that makes up a group; any issue raised can trigger a conflict. The secret is to be patient and think hard before speaking and acting. State your opinion and listen to what other people have to say. Even when you disagree with a colleague’s opinion, it is your obligation to respect them.

Improve communication

Communication between group members needs to be clean, without noise. When someone speaks A, another understands B and transmits C. Team members must perform the work correctly. Knowing how to listen and speak at the right time is also very important for group work.

Whenever you feel uncomfortable with a situation in the group, talk, explain what is bothering you, and indicate what you think you can change, so it is possible to find a suitable solution for everyone.

Accept the ideas of others

It’s not easy to accept that we need to be correct and that the other’s idea is better than yours, but the group’s work is fundamental to the efficiency of the work. It is precisely this exchange of ideas that enriches teamwork. Never let your pride be greater than the group’s common goal.

Be proactive

Take action. Always be willing to help your colleagues and solve the team’s problems, which is essential for your professional development and the group’s results. And when you need help, don’t be embarrassed.

Innovate

Innovating makes the company and employees grow. Propose solutions and alternatives to optimize the group’s tasks and achieve better results. A team that is not afraid to innovate is more productive and efficient.

Trust and convey trust

If you don’t believe in what you do, who will? Demonstrate that you trust your work, your colleagues’ abilities, and the group’s efficiency. Generating trust motivates and moves the team.

Accept the mistake

The work team is comprised of people who are subject to mistakes. When the group has already overcome the differences, is homogeneous, and works in harmony, the error drops like a bomb. Everyone agrees with the measures adopted and is believed to be the best for that task.

It’s critical to understand what went wrong, discuss solutions, and keep working. Team members can’t dwell on the mistake.

Plan

Organization and planning must be part of the routine of the group and each professional. It is essential to clearly define the team’s objectives, the roles of each member, goals, challenges, and all the aspects necessary for the group’s work to develop efficiently.

More is needed to prepare a plan, and it is necessary to follow it and make the required changes.

Work

Just because you’re working in a group doesn’t mean you can stop or push your work to others. What makes teamwork more efficient than individual work is precisely the sum of the efforts of all members. Do your best, and the result will be positive.

Did you understand the importance of group work for your professional growth and for the company you work for? Do you have this skill?

Follow these tips and be the best professional you can be.