Develop a Team
Teamwork involves having a group of people who work together towards a common goal, with a shared sense of purpose.
It is important to realize that everyone in the project can lead in different ways – and each member of the team can set personal improvement goals.
Have an open discussion with your team to allow each person to share some of the characteristics that they would like to develop and improve upon on both an individual and group level.
Great teams are those that allow for:
- A sense of trust and belonging
- A shared sense of ownership
- Clear roles and responsibilities
- Effective and ongoing communication
- Respect for diversity
- A sense of fun, creativity and openness
- A space for ongoing learning and growth
All team members can also fill out a chart, similar to the one below, in order to identify the ways in which each person can best contribute to the project. First discuss this in your group and then fill in the chart. You will find that each member of your team brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. This is good! It makes for a stronger team, and will ultimately help you to reach your project goals and objectives.
| Name | Things I like to do | Words that describe me | My skills | What interests me most about this project |
| Example: Moustafa |
Writing for the school newspaper, school plays | Hard working, creative, outgoing | Writing documents, presenting in front of audiences | Gaining practical experience |
| Example Vera |
Checking out cars, playing video games | Competitive, athletic | Organizing a car wash or sports tournament to rase money | Having an impact on an issue that concerns me |
Networking increases your chances at accessing resources that can help you to achieve your project goals. Check out the following resources:
- Volunteers, Mentors or Advisors: people who are willing to help out by sharing their skills, knowledge and experience.
- Organizations: that may be able to provide technical assistance, legal support, access to office supplies or materials and access to workshops or skills training
- Libraries or Community Centres: who may provide access to meeting places
- Funds: people who may be willing to make a cash donation or offer suggestions about where to apply for grants, scholarships or events
- Media: connections to journalists who might offer to promote your efforts through the radio, in print, on television, or over the internet
