Teamwork is a useful soft skill at school and work. Good teamwork improves morale, commitment, productivity, decision-making, and professional skills.^[1][2]

Many engineers have reservations about teamwork.^[3] Luckily, teamwork skills can be practiced and improved.

Traits of successful teams

Roles and responsibilities for each member should be clearly defined. This prevents miscommunication.^[4][5]

Communication should be clear and constructive. Teams must talk through issues, ensuring all voices are heard. They solve problems collaboratively.^[4][5]

Trust is earned through effort, commitment, and accountability.^[4][5]

Personal strategies

Communicate clearly and honestly with others (while also staying polite). Be honest about your perspective and limitations instead of lying or over-promising.^[6]

Describe problems with non-blaming language. For example, "A bug made its way to production" is more neutral than "You pushed a bad commit."^[7] Then focus on problem-solving.

Researchers found that rapport involves positivity, mutual attentiveness, and coordination.^[8]

Social conversations can build rapport. Asking open-ended questions can encourage people to share.^[9][10] You may find things you have in common.

Be a positive coworker. Give compliments when you notice someone's work is good.^[9] Aim to be helpful and kind.^[10] This helps people feel appreciated.

Strategies for neurodivergent and awkward engineers

See also: Neurodiversity in engineering

Engineers are often stereotyped as socially awkward. While all engineers are unique, some engineers do struggle with social skills. Here are some tips for engineers who are neurodivergent or awkward.

Communicate authentically instead of copying others. Insincere behavior can be off-putting, so don't act like someone you aren't. For example, if you find eye contact uncomfortable, you don't have to force it. Instead, fake it (e.g. by looking at noses) or just tell people that you don't do eye contact.

If you're neurodivergent, consider telling your coworkers. This gives them context for your behavior.

Team-building activities

Research shows team-building activities can be effective.^[11]

Here are some simple team-building ideas:^[12]

• Do a monthly game night (digitally or in person) with teamwork games
• Give awards during retrospective meetings, like "Most impressive bug fix"
• Have a show-and-tell day in which people show off personal or side projects
• Submit, discuss, and vote on the best engineering memes
• Two truths and a lie^[13]

See also

• Communication
• Neurodiversity in engineering

References