Resource Information for Supervisors & Managers
Strictly Classified
An Informational Bulletin Published by the Personnel Commission
Promoting Teamwork
“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to
direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel
that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” – Andrew Carnegie
Supervisors and managers are largely responsible for developing workplace unity by establishing a culture of
teamwork. Promoting a “we” versus “I” mentality amongst workers is key to the success of an individual office or department, as well as a campus and the District as a whole. An institution that is dependent on a team
for success, as opposed to a few individuals, will be more productive, better able to sustain itself, and thus
more successful in the long run.
What is Teamwork?
In a team-oriented workplace, collective thinking, planning, evaluating, and actions are encouraged and valued. While an individual employee may have a specific assignment within a specific department that determines his/her immediate objectives, the employee understands that his/her assignments are part of a larger
goal. Furthermore, employees work as a unit to solve problems, develop a cohesive plan for accomplishing
goals, and view co-workers as a source of support, rather than as competition.
Why is Teamwork Important?
Working as a unified team, encourages the inclusion of diverse ideas and perspectives. This will spark creativity, as well as innovative plans and solutions. In addition to promoting “outside of the box” thinking and increasing productivity, working as a team will boost employee morale and reduce employee apathy. Employees
will get to know their co-workers better, and will enjoy their jobs more. This will reduce work-related stress
and tension within an office. Ultimately, the employee will feel more invested in the success of their office/
department, and thus more invested in the institution.
MEMBERS OF THE PERSONNEL COMMISSION
James A. Srott, Chair
February 2006
David Iwata
Calvin W. Hall, Ed.D.
Karen Martin, Personnel Director
(213) 891-2333
How to Promote Teamwork
In order to establish and maintain a culture of teamwork, a supervisor should:
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Clearly communicate that teamwork is expected. Explain to the team what is expected and why goals
are being approached as a team.
Provide the team with the tools necessary to succeed. Make the resources and support needed to
accomplish established goals accessible to the team.
Establish ground rules. Reporting relationships and accountability should be clearly defined and under
stood by all team members. However, allow employees to have the independence necessary to feel as
though they are not simply following orders, but rather that they are making important contributions to
the team.
Model teamwork both in their interactions with their employees, as well as other supervisors/managers.
Acknowledge and reward teamwork. Recognize the team and their accomplishments publicly, don’t
single anyone employee out. For example, submit Notices of Outstanding Work Performance for all
team members after successfully completing a project.
Implement office traditions that encourage group participation and promote diversity. This will in
crease morale and motivation, and offer co-workers an opportunity to get to know each other better.
Consider establishing a monthly birthday club, or having a holiday potluck in which employees br i ng
in foods that are a part of their cultural heritage.
In a society in which individual accomplishments are touted, it can be difficult to foster team unity in the
workplace. However, a work environment in which all team members are invested in each other and see their
work as contributing to the success of the institution, is sure to improve productivity, increase creativity and
innovation, and boost employee morale.