Whether you prefer one or the other, there are benefits to both working alone and in a team. Many office environments can feel busy and loud, which may make you want to get some more privacy. Or, because of the rising popularity of the remote working environment, you may miss your interactions with coworkers. Working independently and with others depends on the job you are doing and your personality too.
Working in a Team
One of the most significant advantages of working in a team is perspective. When working alone, you can be blindsided by flaws and mistakes because you only see it from your point of view. Whether you're working on an essay or a design project, letting another set of eyes look it over can help you get insight into the changes you could make to improve your work.
When working in a group, you also get a sense of community. A team is a group of people working together towards a common goal. As part of a team, you are not expected to be in charge of every aspect of a project. You could work on tasks that use your strengths while others can take care of tasks that are not within your skill set. Working in a team allows you to depend on others where you fall short and help them when they struggle.
With a strong team, group members will work more efficiently and be more motivated because of the people around them. You can share successes and failures and get new solutions by interacting with other problem solvers. Everyone has different skills, and working in a team allows everyone’s strengths to shine.
Working Alone
Maybe working in a team is not for you. Many people thrive working alone and feeling like their own boss. Working in a group allows you to hand off tasks to others, but it opens up more room for error. When you are the only team member, you are responsible for every aspect of the project. Although this can sometimes be daunting, all the work will be up to your standards. There is no need to ask for approval for decisions or explain your actions to others.
One of the most significant advantages of working alone is working on your terms, free of other opinions. You are on your schedule and making the best decisions for yourself. Group work can cloud your perspective, and others may overshadow your ideas. But working alone allows you to be the only one on display.
It depends on your work style and personality, but those who can focus and prefer a less load workplace often prefer working alone. The freedom of working independently is gratifying. However, it takes a lot of self-management. You need to create your own goals and constantly check in with yourself to make sure you are on track. Otherwise, you are likely to run the risk of burnout.
Best of Both Worlds
You don't always have to choose to work on your own or work in a team strictly. Working alone makes you miss out on many of the benefits of working with others and vice versa. Many people enjoy aspects of both work styles. A hybrid work style allows you to get the freedom from working alone and the interactions and perspective you get from working in a team.
If you’re a solopreneur looking for a team, it’s always a good idea to start with just one person. Debbie Vega is a business coach and consultant with a track record of helping solopreneurs beat burnout and stay out. Debbie is also experienced in corporate group coaching and is exceptionally skilled in identifying behaviors and personality traits within teams. Debbie can optimize these behavioral characteristics for minimal conflict and maximum productivity.
Looking for the next great addition to your team? Give us a call or send us a message today.
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