This was submitted by one of my MBA students at Charleston Southern University. I am reproducing it here verbatim because I think it would be valuable to readers of my blog.
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My MBA Class’s Top 5 Teamwork Must-Haves
Any valuable graduate class is likely to incorporate a great deal of teamwork. As I learned in one such class, these five elements are must-haves for team triumph:
1.  Offer your talents. When working as a team, divide sub-tasks according to the talents of the team’s group members. What are your God-given talents? Find the role that best aligns with your strongest skills. Offer to fill that role in order to create the strongest team. The team is only as strong as its weakest link!
2.  Ask and it shall be given to you. Share setbacks among the group when challenges arise. Two heads are better than one! Each team member’s unique perspective results in a different approach to the problem at hand. This often leads to finding the right solution more quickly.
3.  Follow the leader. Identify a designated leader who provides overall direction and seeks clarification or guidance for the group as needed. It is important not to have too many cooks in the kitchen.
4.  Build rapport.  Build good relationships with fellow classmates.  The benefits of building these relationships are similar to the benefits of networking.  You never know when you will need to work with one or more of the same group members again. Treat each team member politely and with respect.
5. Connect often. Use, daily, the best communication tool for the job. Send e-mails, make phone calls, or gather face-to-face regularly to share information for the duration of the project(s). Ensure team members know which form of communication is preferred.
-Nicole Kelly
