TEAM – DEFINITION, Study notes of Communication

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TEAM – DEFINITION

A group of people with different skills and

different tasks, who work together on a

common project, service, or goal, with a

meshing of functions and mutual support.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF

EFFECTIVE TEAMS

1. The purpose, mission, or main objective is

known and understood by all team members.

2. Communication in the team is open, direct and

honest.

3. Sufficient leadership is available in the team.

4. There is regular review of how well the team is

performing toward achieving its purpose.

5. There is an agreed organizational structure to the

team.

6. Adequate resources are available to permit the

team to perform it’s function, including skills,

tools, facilities, and budgets.

7. Synergy exists, so the team performs in a way

that is greater than the sum of its parts.

ON-THE-JOB ACTIONS OF

SUCCESSFUL TEAMS (2)

11. Identifying and helping with loose ends, even in someone else’s area of responsibility.
12. Keeping teammates advised of changes, developments and new information.
13. Being supportive of the team’s objectives, once they are set.
14. Pitching in when the whole team needs help in meeting a deadline, even if it is outside of your area of responsibility.
15. Trusting the team to be able to develop consensus, even though it takes extra time.

WHY USE TEAMS

1. More knowledge and skill is brought to the problem.
2. Information flow is more effective.
3. More people are aware of the full breadth of the problem.
4. Meetings are more productive and goal-oriented.
5. Better decisions are made.
6. Team problems are identified sooner and more clearly.
7. Team members learn from each other.
8. The team becomes more cohesive and develops a stronger sense of belonging to the organization.
9. Overall morale improves.
10. More is accomplished than is possible by equivalent individual efforts.
11. Productivity and time savings are achieved by eliminating duplication of efforts.
12. Absenteeism and missed deadlines are reduced.
13. Team members understand organizational issues better.
14. Management work is shared.
15. Teams set and achieve tougher goals than individuals.

TEAM DEVELOPMENT STAGES

1. Forming

2. Storming

3. Norming

4. Performing

FORMING

1. People are cautious, guarded, wondering.

2. Little visible disagreement.

3. Lack of identity.

4. Little investment in the group.

5. Watching to see what is expected of team

members and what is acceptable from team

members.

NORMING

1. Developing goals, roles, and

relationships.

2. Learning to appreciate differences in

people.

3. Conflict is about issues, not egos or

people.

4. Communication is open and clear.

5. Sense of belonging develops.

6. Progress is beginning to be made.

7. Work becomes enjoyable.

PERFORMING

1. Team acts on common goals, with

synergy, high morale, and high productivity.

2. Easy shifting of roles from one to another.

3. Differences are valued.

4. Team members look out for one another’s

interests.

5. Spontaneous, collaborative efforts.

6. Sharing of all relevant information.

7. Conflict is frequent, but leads to problem

solving.

TEAM DEVELOPMENT DON’TS

1. Overtalk

2. Brag

3. Power plays

4. Use authoritarian communication

5. Public criticism

6. Preoccupied with the pyramid

TEAM DEVELOPMENT DO’S

1. Straight talk

2. Manage conflict

3. Honor commitments

4. Permeable work boundaries

5. Affirm and celebrate

6. Apply collective wisdom

7. Appreciate differences