Teamwork Skills
Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
The University of Texas-Pan American
College of Science and Engineering
Objective
 Explain the need for engineering teams.
 Explain the characteristics of a successful team.
Assignment: Final Project Team Members Contact List
Engineering Teams
 There are many reasons why engineers
chose to work in teams. Here are some of
those reasons:
1. Engineers are asked to solve extremely
complex problems.
2. More factors must be considered than
ever before.
3. Team collaboration provides greater
understanding.
Engineering Teams
4. More corporations are international.
5. Rapid product development is the
requirement today for success.
6. Concurrent engineering demands
teamwork.
7. Corporations increasingly are using
project management principles.
What Makes a Successful Team?
 Common goal.
 Leadership.
 Individual involvement.
 Effective communication.
 Creative spark.
 Harmonious relationships among members.
 Effective planning and use of resources.
Team Member Attributes
 Attendance.
 Responsibility.
 Ability.
 Creativity.
 Energy.
 Personality.
Team Leadership Structures
 Traditional.
 Participative.
 Flat.
 Consultant.
Modes of Team Action
 Consensus.
 Majority.
 Minority.
 Averaging.
 Expert.
 Authority Rule without Discussion.
 Authority Rule with Discussion.
Leader Attributes
 Focus on the purpose.
 Team builder.
 Plan well and effectively utilize resources.
 Run effective meetings.
 Communicate effectively.
 Promote team harmony.
 Foster high levels of performance.
Leadership Styles
 Task-oriented leaders.
 People-oriented leaders.
Search for Creative Ideas –
Group Brainstorming Process
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Pick a facilitator.
Define the problem.
Select a small group.
Explain the process.
Record ideas.
Involve everyone.
No evaluating.
Eliminate duplicates.
Pick three.
Group Activity
Problem to Practice Group
Brainstorming
 Provide a method for controlling the
populations or access of pigeons or
grackles to UTPA campus. There are
excessive bird droppings! Must be low
maintenance, low cost, and socially
acceptable! It must not interfere with the
normal flow of foot traffic.
Open Forum