BUS FPX 3007 Assessment 3 Building Effective Teams BUS-FPX3007 Developing a Business Perspective
Introduction
In assembling a workplace team, it is essential to select employees who offer diverse perspectives and backgrounds. The adage that “there’s no I in team” highlights the importance of teamwork, emphasizing that a business’s survival and success hinge on effective collaboration. A diverse team fosters inclusion and brings a wealth of varied experiences, both professional and personal. Given the multicultural makeup of our nation, leveraging this diversity can provide significant advantages to an organization. One primary benefit is the incorporation of global perspectives and cultural insights, which can steer a growing organization in the right direction. As globalization increases, teams composed of members from various national backgrounds and cultures working toward a common goal are becoming standard in organizations (Cohen & Bailey, 1997; Early & Makowski, 2000; Yukl, 2013).
Functional Area Team Member Selections
As a medium-sized manufacturing company with a workforce of 250 employees and a focus on aggressive growth, it is crucial to select the right team members from appropriate functional areas to align with the CEO’s objectives. Achieving this requires including personnel with a range of skills and selecting team members who can drive high output (Sethi, 2015). By assembling a diverse team, we can develop a proposal for a new business model and growth strategies more swiftly, incorporating insights from individuals with different backgrounds and expertise. The three functional areas from which we will choose team members are as follows:
| Functional Area | Role and Contribution |
|---|---|
| Sales & Marketing Department | Responsible for business development and shaping the company’s image. This team’s insights, particularly in today’s digital landscape, will offer fresh perspectives on customer preferences and competitive products, aiding in the development of a growth-focused business model (Piercy et al., 1997). |
| Human Resource Department | Oversees training, which is critical for organizational growth. HR members will assist in team building, developing policies, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They will also help align team objectives with the company’s values, vision, and mission. |
| Operations Department | Provides essential insights into production and manufacturing processes. This area manages day-to-day operations and support functions necessary for creating the new business model, ensuring effective implementation of proposed strategies. |
Reasons for Functional Area Team Member Selections
According to Mikoluk (2013), “teams can accomplish work more quickly and effectively than individuals working alone, and collaborative efforts foster accountability among employees, boosting motivation.” The selected functional areas provide a comprehensive representation of the organization. The Sales and Marketing team will devise advertising strategies to promote our product, essential for driving growth through increased sales. The Human Resources team is vital for delivering training to current employees, especially as operational changes occur, and will also oversee the onboarding of new talent as the business expands. Finally, the Operations department will be instrumental in executing the proposed business model and sharing best practices to facilitate the company’s growth.
Characteristics of Effective Team Members
As the consultant responsible for forming this new team and ensuring alignment with the CEO’s and stakeholders’ goals, specific attributes will be essential in team members:
- Positive Attitude: A positive outlook is crucial for effective teamwork (Riggio, 2013).
- Commitment: Members should be dedicated to the company’s mission and team objectives.
- Respect for Diversity: Team members must appreciate and tolerate diverse beliefs and cultures.
- Reliability: Team members should be dependable, meeting deadlines and stepping in as needed.
- Honesty: Honesty is vital for minimizing conflicts; team members must acknowledge each other’s contributions.
- Ability to Handle Criticism: Members should be capable of discussing differences and making decisions based on objective facts rather than emotions.