The Power of Teamwork, to Destroy and Build 🙂
Throughout my professional journey, I’ve had the privilege of working within a variety of teams, spanning research initiatives, meticulous reviews, comprehensive data collection, and impactful industry projects. This diverse exposure has granted me a profound understanding of the multifaceted nature of teamwork – a force capable of both construction and deconstruction. The crux of the matter lies in how we approach the concept of “team” in teamwork.
Allow me to share my perspective on fostering effective collaboration. While I acknowledge that these insights can be refined and tailored to specific scenarios, they serve as a solid foundation applicable to any teamwork situation. I genuinely appreciate any feedback, whether it’s provided at the outset or culmination of projects. Your input holds immense value in shaping our collaborative efforts positively.
Is the Project and Your Personal Interest Aligned?
Absolutely, the bedrock of effective collaboration rests on your genuine interest. While it’s true that some project tasks can lean towards repetition and lackluster engagement, they transform when they dovetail with your personal aspirations. So, I sincerely advise opting out if a project doesn’t resonate with your passions – there’s no shame in that.
In my early experiences, I learned the hard way about the pitfalls of allowing disinterested participants to soldier on. It not only hindered their own contributions but cast a shadow on the entire project. To sidestep such situations, I’ve outlined some guidelines to ensure that we safeguard both our collective efforts and individual well-being.
I want to emphasize that my personal mission within any project goes beyond the surface-level goals. My aim includes two key facets: firstly, bolstering the team’s skills in both knowledge and interpersonal dynamics; and secondly, aligning these skill enhancements with the project’s overarching objectives – a feat I acknowledge is quite challenging. The secret sauce? Motivation. A motivated team member not only boosts their own growth but also catalyzes project success. Alas, fanning the flames of motivation in someone else’s heart is a task even I can’t master. So, if motivation’s waning for whatever reason, it’s perfectly okay to step away. Redirect your energy towards endeavors that truly ignite your passion – it’s a win-win for everyone.
Deadlines — How Our Brain Work
Our brain operates as a complex and interconnected network of neurons, continuously processing information through intricate neural pathways. It processes sensory inputs, stores memories, and orchestrates cognitive functions. The brain’s ability to adapt and learn, known as neuroplasticity, enables us to acquire new skills and knowledge over time. In this intricate neural landscape, deadlines emerge as essential catalysts. They prompt focused attention, optimize task prioritization, and induce a sense of urgency that enhances productivity. Deadlines stimulate the brain’s goal-oriented circuits, fostering efficient decision-making and time management. Thus, recognizing and adhering to deadlines becomes pivotal in leveraging our cognitive capacities to accomplish tasks effectively and efficiently.
Structured Deadlines: Each project will be assigned deadlines within specific time intervals, such as on a weekly or biweekly basis. This framework ensures a steady rhythm of progress and keeps us on track to achieve our objectives.
Individual Accountability: Every team member will have a designated task to complete by each deadline. This approach cultivates a sense of ownership and ensures that everyone contributes meaningfully to the project’s advancement.
Flexible Personal Deadlines: While some deadlines will be set by the team lead, you’re encouraged to personalize them based on your circumstances. If you have upcoming exams or travel plans, you can adjust your workload accordingly to maintain a sustainable pace.
Task Allocation Awareness: Although I’ll strive to distribute tasks fairly, it’s important to acknowledge that achieving absolute equity in task distribution is a complex challenge. While I can’t guarantee perfect balance, I promise to create a harmonious distribution, resembling a balance between 40-60 rather than a strict 50-50 split. If you feel that a task allocation seems unjust, I’m open to communication and adjustments. Your input is vital to maintaining a collaborative and equitable environment.
Guiding Light System: Each team member will be equipped with three guiding lights. Missing a single deadline is considered a normal human occurrence and won’t result in any consequence. If a second deadline is missed, I’ll personally engage with you to discuss your goals and challenges. This conversation aims to identify any hindrances and offer support where possible to prevent further missed deadlines. However, if a third deadline is missed, it indicates a misalignment between your interests or commitments and the project’s goals. In this scenario, there will be substantial repercussions. The weight of uncompleted tasks will be borne by you, and this outcome will not only impede your progress but also negatively impact others and the overall project. Consequently, you’ll be gracefully invited to depart from the project, retaining the knowledge you’ve gained during your participation. This system aims to foster commitment and accountability while acknowledging the complexities of individual circumstances.
Adapting to Life: Life can throw us curveballs. If you encounter unexpected challenges, please inform us promptly. We’re here to assist – whether it’s redistributing tasks, providing help, or, in rare cases, adjusting deadlines to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. Our goal is to prioritize your well-being while ensuring the project moves forward smoothly. Your timely communication is essential.
By adhering to these guidelines, we’ll foster an environment that maximizes productivity, supports individual needs, and promotes transparent communication. Together, we’ll navigate the intricacies of teamwork while striving for shared success.
Communicate
If these guidelines resonate with you, I’d appreciate hearing how this project aligns with your personal aspirations. It’s important to be realistic and candid about your goals. Whether your aim is geared towards publication or any other pursuit, that’s completely acceptable. By understanding your individual interests, I can tailor tasks to ensure a more fulfilling experience for you. Your happiness and engagement are vital to our collective success, and I’m here to support your growth and satisfaction within the project.
If you find these rules inadequate, just as I do, I’m open to your suggestions on how we can establish a more effective foundation for teamwork. Our ideal framework should ensure (1) the project’s seamless progression, (2) the acquisition of both interpersonal skills and knowledge by everyone involved, and (3) the prevention of any harm among team members. Your input is valuable in crafting a collaborative environment that fosters growth, learning, and mutual respect. Please feel free to share your thoughts on refining our approach.
Â
Some Resources for You
Playlist: Introduction to (Bio)Medical Research
My Playlist: Introduction to Machine Learning
The fair-contribution explanation
People do research for dozens of reasons. After five years of leading and joining teams, here is my formula. There are two roles in each project. The “main persona” and the “member persona.”
The “main persona” is a person(s) who is responsible for the outcome of the project. They will regulate tasks on their team and their contribution is based on outcomes. I suggest everyone have one or two projects on their ongoing projects, where they are the “main persona.”
The “member persona” is only responsible for some part of a project by dedicating his time. So this persona is based on efforts (and not outcome). In my opinion, dedicating 2-3 months to a project with 2-3 days per week, and 2-3 hours for each day is a fair contribution definition. Since many “members” are students and regularly rotate between wards and departments, this can make sure that (s)he can finish his task, and also fairly contribute to the whole project, some of which takes years to be done. This means your ~60-70 hour contribution will get your name up in the paper. I suggest everybody to have 2 side projects in their portfolio.Â
You should have a mix of both projects on your schedule, the first one takes 10 times more time but will increase your leadership skills (in my experience only 15% of people can reach this point), while the second type of project will give you a grasp of research fields and will increase your papers.
