There is a crucial concept in understanding why some human groups achieve their goals.

Whether we are talking about groups at school, at work or in other activities (such as sports teams), one of the keys for the community to remain cohesive and thus achieve its goals is fellowship .

Definition of partnership

The companionship is the bond that is established between partners . Peers are individuals who form some kind of group or community and who pursue a purpose or objective.

Let’s take a few examples to better understand the concept of partnership: “It is essential to foster the camaraderie of the members of the basketball team if we want to go far this season” , “The camaraderie of this small company is the key to its success in product development” , “The national team won the trophy thanks to the camaraderie and altruism of the midfielders and defenders” , “The teachers have noticed that in some classes there is not a good camaraderie among the students” .

One of the keys to harmony in a group of people

The concept of companionship is often used to define good communication, harmony and cohesion between partners .

This means that, unfortunately, not all relationships between partners are healthy. Some human groups only make sense by attending to one finalist dimension : the fact of sharing an objective, business for example, that forces to coordinate efforts among several people. On other occasions, for example in some groups-classes, students share physical space, but do not develop the communication or affection necessary to create a climate that we could describe as companionship.

The case of schools: fellowship under scrutiny

In schools and institutes there are groups, and perhaps this type of community is the one that best allows us to explore the concept of fellowship and its many nuances . If a course is made up of 30 students, we can say that all of them are partners. However, companionship does not lie in the fact of sharing a space, but refers to the capacity of the students to help each other , showing altruistic and cooperative attitudes among them.

For example, we can observe companionship when a student lends some utensil (a pen, a compass…) to a colleague, when it is a situation that occurs spontaneously. Obviously, there are also opposite cases, in which companionship is conspicuous by its absence. The extreme scenario that leads us to a situation of no companionship is bullying: when a part of the group of students harasses, insults and mistreats a student.

Partnership in business: a falling away value?

In business organizations, many managers have realized the importance of encouraging fellowship among employees in order to lay the necessary foundations for achieving economic objectives . The cohesion between the members of the different work groups allows each one of them to perform more and better, developing better skills that allow the necessary synergy for the result of the group action to be optimal.

In fact, some time ago we published an article where we talked about teamwork. You can check it out:

  • “The 5 benefits of teamwork”

The teams whose members share ethical standards, values and objectives are those that have the best chances of success . Companionship, however, not only results in an improvement in productivity, but also makes the daily routine of working life more pleasant and is one of the prerequisites for establishing a climate of trust and camaraderie.

How can we improve companionship in the work environment?

Two of the best factors that help establish group cohesion in the work environment are well-being and solidarity among colleagues .

We propose some essential points to carry out a fruitful work climate:

1. Communication with all members

It is important that team members communicate and establish relationships with as many of their peers as possible (ideally, with everyone). Get to know each other well and know the strengths and weaknesses of each member, as well as their needs and work pace. Knowing the others is also the best way to know what each member can bring to the team .

2. Open mind

In groups of many people, it is common for individuals of different cultural and religious backgrounds to coexist , and even with a diversity of sexual orientations and divergent personalities. When the basis for people to understand each other in spite of their differences is not generated, the work dynamic can be seriously affected.

3. Kindness and trust

Veteran members should welcome new members of the group in a friendly and caring manner, avoiding making jokes and making newcomers feel uncomfortable or out of place. In addition, they should take responsibility for teaching newcomers as much as possible so that they adapt easily and so that their stay in the company is a positive and uplifting experience.

4. Criticism must be constructive

We must avoid judging others at all costs. Criticism must be made in a conciliatory and constructive spirit, reflecting on how to help optimize the work process in each of its phases , and taking into account the effort of the members to be measured and fair when pointing out problems or errors. We must try not to hurt sensitivities, looking for words and contexts in which criticism is well received, and emphasizing the positive and the change that can be implemented.

5. Be open to criticism in order to improve

To accept criticism is to know how to prioritize the good progress of the group over the personal ego. When we listen to a constructive criticism and try to reflect on its content, the most normal thing is that we realize some things that fail and therefore we end up becoming more prepared and effective professionals .

Reflecting on Fellowship

Companionship within companies can make a big difference in terms of productivity. When a group of individuals working together learn to respect and deal with each other with a strong will to improve as professionals and as people, there will be an enormous chance that they will achieve their goals, since the extra that brings motivation and cohesion to the final product is more than noticeable .

However, when the work climate is tense and there is no pleasant atmosphere in the workplace, the routine becomes monotonous and personal effort ceases to have any meaning beyond the mere “fulfilling of the obligation” . This affects productivity very negatively. A team without companionship is a poorly motivated and ultimately dysfunctional team. Even in particularly hostile work environments, cases of mobbing can occur.

The ultimate sense of companionship is the well-being of the group above individual whims. Trying to achieve a cohesion of all members allows all individuals to grow and feel happier in their workplace; something that is indispensable to be happy with our life in general.

Bibliographic references:

  • Buchloz and Roth. (1992). How to create a High Performance Team in your Company. Editorial Atlántida, Buenos Aires.
  • Maddux, R. (2000). How to form a work team: Leadership in action.