All sorts of tasks become easier — and faster — through teamwork. More than speed or ease, though, big or complex projects require teamwork. It isn’t a choice.

Working together enables us to tackle big projects and audacious goals that just wouldn’t be possible alone.  Effective teamwork empowers us to reach our goals and have far more impact.

Teamwork stretches far beyond making the best snow fort or carrying the heaviest objects. But not everyone sees the value and benefits that a group of people working together can accomplish.

But what is teamwork, and how you can encourage a collaborative atmosphere in the workplace?

What is teamwork?

In its simplest form, teamwork occurs when a group of people work together to successfully complete a task. More broadly, it also relates to the cohesiveness of a team, their ability to create a positive working atmosphere and how they recognise the strengths and skills that each team member brings. Teamwork is a crucial skill in many workplaces and is something often tested at interviews by hiring managers.

The answer to, ‘What is teamwork?’ as it relates to the workplace is simply when a group of people from different backgrounds work together to complete a project or task. Although, the extent to which they are able to work well together depends on many factors, such as personalities, goals and skill sets. The attitudes of the team members are also important, as a team is more effective when the individuals are able to work closely with others and be respectful of everyone else’s views.

Teamwork happens when people work together toward a common goal. That goal could be professional or personal. You can work as a team to move a couch up a flight of stairs, launch a work project, or play soccer.

Defining teamwork is simple, but understanding how to work well as a team can be complicated. Becoming an effective high-performing team takes practice. And guidance.

What teamwork means to you might be different for your teammates. What teamwork looks like also depends a lot on the nature of your work and what types of challenges you face. Not every type of work needs or benefits from teamwork.

One key to a successful team: When individuals realize that working together on a project is more effective than working alone. Teams are effective when they aren’t just dividing up tasks and working independently to get them done faster. Great teamwork is about working together and collaborating to come up with better approaches.

You know that you have the right teamwork for the job when your team delivers better outcomes than any one person could on their own. Achieving a goal is often easier when tasks are done cooperatively rather than relying on each individual’s singular efforts.

An entire team operates best when each team member works collaboratively but still brings their own perspective and experiences and uses their own set of skills.