The Teamwork Challenge

Most interiorscape technicians spend their day working by themselves. If your work style is similar, then you work with out constant supervision and rely on your own horticultural skills to get the job done.

When you’re on your own, independence and self-reliance are critical skills. But when you’re assigned to a team, these skills may actually work against you. Teamwork requires another talent of equal value — the ability to work cooperatively and efficiently with a group of people. Large installations, holiday decorating, large clean-up or pesticide spray jobs are just some of the opportunities you may have to participate on a team. What does it take to be a good team member? These suggestions will provide some guidelines.

Understand the big picture

Listen carefully as the team leader explains the full scope of the project. For example, your company will decorate three floors of an office building . There will be a large wreath over the front door, a 10 foot poinsettia tree i n the lobby, a 6 foot half-tree on the second and third floors and artificial greens hung as swags on the railings overlooking first and second floors. Ask questions until you have a vision of the full project and a clear understanding of how the work will proceed.

Understand your assignment

• Who will be responsible for your team and who will you be working with?
• Where are the supplies you need? What task has been assigned to your team?
• If you and your teammate are to hang a wreath, be sure you know where the wreath is to go and how it is to be hung. Is there a nail in place or is it your responsibility to supply the hook?
• Where’s the ladder or lift you will use? Do you know how to operate all equipment safely?

Understand the time schedule

• How much time has been allotted for your task?
• Who will” sign off” on your job, making sure it was completed according to specifications?

Be willing to work with other people

Part of the challenge of teamwork is learning to work with other personalities. As a member of a team, you quickly learn that everyone doesn’t tackle the job i n the same way. Listen to your teammates suggestions, compromise with them and work cooperatively until the task is complete. When you work b y yourself most of the time, teamwork can be a real treat. It’s an opportunity to get to k n ow other people in your company; it’s the chance to assist in a project that’s bigger than what you’re usually involved in ; and, it’s the opportunity to vary your routine.