Discuss the abilities that successful business communicators and team members need to possess in the contemporary business environment.

Answers will vary. Skills for successful participation in team environments are somewhat
different from those necessary for success in old-style organizations. Today successful business communicators and team members must possess the ability to:
• give and take constructive criticism, actively listen, clearly impart one's views to others, and provide meaningful feedback;
• break down emotional barriers, such as insecurity or condescension;
• promote team functioning by removing process barriers, such as rigid policies and procedures;
• understand the feelings and needs of coworkers so members feel comfortable stating their opinions and discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the team;
• overcome cultural barriers, such as stereotyped roles and responsibilities, that can separate workers from management and;
• apply leadership skills in a dynamic group setting that results in team success. In dynamic team leadership, referred to as distributed leadership, the role of the leader can alternate among members, and more than one leadership style can be active at any given time.