Teamwork

Mutual respect and shared values

I believe that two of the most important factors for team cohesion are mutual respect and shared values. Mutual respect for me has shown up in projects when team members give as much consideration to ideas suggested by teammates as they do to their own. This is a virtuous cycle because when ideas and suggestions are respected and treated as valuable on their own, everyone is more likely to share in the future and accept constructive criticism when given. Consistent respect across leaders and peers can lead to increased productivity across the organization (Perry, 2023).

Shared values provide a framework for all team members to align themselves in a common direction and support team members in justifying the decisions they make as aligned with those values. Shared values can reinforce respect within the team because they provide a standard for behavior everyone can work towards. Even something as simple as collective buy-in to the value of a project deliverables can drive progress. In contrast, a lack of shared values can manifest itself as discrimination, harassment, and inequalities that can harm entire enterprises (Plump, n.d.).

Our team can use these two factors by embracing the shared value of bringing our best work to the class and assignments every week so that everyone gets the best learning experience and grade possible. We can show mutual respect through regular engagement in discussions and project work so that the deliverables are the best they can be.

References

Perry, E. (2023, February 17). Showing respect at workplace: For managers, peers, and ourselves. BetterUp Blog. Retrieved January 7, 2025, from https://www.betterup.com/blog/respect-at-workplace

Plump, C. (n.d.). Transform a Toxic Workplace Culture with Shared Values. SHRM. https://www.shrm.org/executive-network/insights/people-strategy/transform-toxic-workplace-culture-shared-values