Ways to Improve Teamwork Onboard Merchant Vessels
By: Rogelio Arcega Jr. M.M.
As a Fleet Operations Superintendent, I have the privilege of being actively involved in supporting the captain and his crew in effectively dealing with ship’s crew, clients and client personnel onboard. Working as a cohesive team, we strive to ensure the successful completion of projects while maintaining a high level of professionalism and client satisfaction. By leveraging my expertise and experience, I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment where open communication, efficient coordination, and exceptional service are paramount. Together, we aim to deliver outstanding results, exceed client expectations, and build lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Forming, norming, storming, performing, and adjourning are five stages that teams often go through as they develop and work towards achieving their goals. These stages were first introduced by Bruce Tuckman in 1965 and have since become a widely accepted framework for understanding team dynamics.
The first stage, forming, occurs when team members come together for the first time. During this stage, individuals are often polite and cautious as they get to know one another. They may also be uncertain about their roles and responsibilities within the team. In this stage, the team leader plays a crucial role in setting expectations, establishing goals, and facilitating introductions.
As the team progresses, they enter the norming stage. During this phase, team members start to establish common goals, values, and norms. They develop a sense of trust and cohesion, and roles and responsibilities become clearer. Communication becomes more open and honest, and conflicts are resolved more easily. This stage is critical for building strong relationships and establishing a positive team culture.
However, as the team starts to work together more closely, conflicts and disagreements are likely to arise. This is the storming stage, where team members may challenge one another’s ideas, compete for influence, or express their frustrations. Storming can be a difficult and uncomfortable stage, but it is necessary for the team to address underlying issues and find solutions. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are crucial during this stage.
Once the team successfully navigates the storming stage, they enter the performing stage. At this point, team members have developed a high level of trust and collaboration. They are able to work together seamlessly towards achieving their goals. The team is highly motivated and productive, and they have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. This is the stage where the team’s performance is at its peak.
Finally, when the team has achieved its objectives or when the project comes to an end, they enter the adjourning stage. During this phase, team members reflect on their accomplishments and celebrate their successes. They also take the time to acknowledge and appreciate one another’s contributions. This adjourning stage is crucial for closure and allows team members to transition smoothly to new projects or disband if necessary.
RAJ
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