Abstract
Communication and trust are essential for teams to function properly and achieve their end goals. A frame for communication lines must be laid out in advance as well as a combined contract that defines what the team expects to accomplish as a whole as well as individually. Trust must be built up over time. Each team member must respect each other and follow through with assigned tasks to strengthen trust within the group. If communication and trust break down within a team, the team will not progress and will cease to function.
The Effects of Communication and Trust on Team Dynamics
The American Heritage Dictionary defines dynamics as: Of or relating to energy or to objects in motion, of or relating to the study of dynamics, characterized by continuous change, activity, or progress, Marked by intensity and vigor; forceful. When applying dynamics to a team, the team must constantly be in motion, experiencing continuous change and progress. Intensity and vigor apply to the attitude of the team players. Positive attitudes among team players ultimately result in positive outcomes in team performance. But, how does a team maintain an overall positive attitude and work together like a well oiled machine? They accomplish this through effective communication and build trust among team members.
Communication
Communication is a must. Without it, a team will not function. Teams are brought together for various reasons, and must work under different circumstances each time. The Swift Trust Partnership Experiment recommends that a team first develop a contract in which they will abide by. “The Swift Trust Exercise provides students with the opportunity to frame an organizational ...