Scoopat-  Nidaa Al-Shraideh

Before I demonstrate the importance of teamwork and the need for team development through the working model of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (Amman Office), I want to point out that I have been a member of the staff of this foundation since 2009. For that reason, I am able to present a genuine insight into the working environment of the office and speak candidly about the interdependence between team members. It is important to highlight that a certain passion for the job can be transmitted through teamwork, especially because staff members can develop a positive attitude towards work as well as a genuine desire to improve and increase their productivity.

It is a common belief that collective action only shows its benefits in the long term.  However, the team at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has proven that this doesn’t have to be the case. The KAS team established high levels of collaboration from the start which instantly produced positive effects.

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung began its work in the Middle East 28 years ago through its office in Amman. With over 80 offices and a presence in more than 120 countries, the foundation works to provide consistent support to build the future based on the principles of freedom, justice, solidarity and equality. The foundation strives to promote democracy, rule of law, social market economy as well as peace and freedom throughout the world. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung also encourages dialogue on the national and international levels, and across cultures and religions. Its work includes cooperation with government institutions, political parties and civil society organizations as well as selected elites to build strong long-term partnerships. In particular, KAS seeks to intensify political collaboration in the field of development at the national and international levels in order to contribute to the creation of an international system, where each country can take responsibility for its own economic, social, and political development.

The main challenges facing a team in any institution are change and internal differences. It is also important to focus on how to use the team members’ 

full potential in order to achieve the desired goals. In order to combat these challenges, it is essential to listen to the needs of each team member while keeping in mind the common goals.  Then the team can work together to find the best way to meet everyone’s needs and attain the common. This model might be simplistic, but in fact that are few companies who really show commitment to encouraging true teamwork. This method of organization has been in place in the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung since the very beginning and there has always been a real desire to achieve the best results and to constantly try to improve one’s work. Each member of the team should also be working with the team’s best interest at heart, especially when they face change or internal differences, which could be an obstacle to reaching the desired goals or a reason for a decrease in motivation.

In order for a staff member to be part of the team, the team leader needs to make them feel that they are an important element with significant influence. 

Empowering team members will ensure that the goals are achieved and that the work strategies will be successful. In the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung this is the case. Dr. Martin Beck, resident representative since 2010, has managed, with a high degree of determination, to create a family atmosphere that encourages hard work, while supporting every staff member of the foundation.

The development of teamwork was a difficult task, but Dr. Martin Beck managed to achieve it through consistent enthusiasm and determination. He showed good leadership skills as well as serious commitment. Through weekly staff meetings, he encouraged the exchange of ideas and initiatives and increased transparency and communication within the office. In addition, Dr. Beck meets individually with each staff member to determine personal needs as well as personal strengths, so that they are able to realize their full potential. 

According to him, developing teamwork requires two essential elements: time and determination. Time is necessary, because a successful organization is not built in a day and indeed it is crucial for team members to get to know each other and, above all, to trust each other. Thus, with time, relations will be improved and strengthened. The other important factor is the determination and patience of the team leader. He or she needs to have a clear understanding with each team member, to define their responsibilities and to avoid any tensions or uncertainties that may arise in various situations.

Since I have begun working for the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, I have found this organizational model to be extremely successful and I will conclude by expressing my gratitude and appreciation to all my colleagues as well as to the resident representative of the foundation, Dr. Martin Beck. We have managed to build a real team and to create an exemplary model by being passionate about our work and by always aspiring to improve.