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The purpose of assembling a
team is to
accomplish bigger goals than any that would be possible for the individual
working alone.
Winning Team: 7 Elements
The aim and purpose of a team is to perform, get results and
achieve victory in the workplace and marketplace.
The very best managers are
those who can gather together a group of individuals and mould them into a team.
Here are ten key differentials to help you mould your people into a
pro-active and productive team.
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Understandings. In a group, members think they are
grouped together for administrative purposes only. Individuals sometimes cross
purpose with others. In a team, members recognise their independence and
understand both personal and team goals are best accomplished with mutual
support. Time is not wasted struggling over "Turf" or attempting personal gain
at the expense of others.
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Ownership. In a group, members tend to focus on themselves because
they are not sufficiently involved in planning the unit's objectives. They
approach their job simply as a hired hand. "Castle
Building" is common. In a team, members feel a sense of ownership for their
jobs and unit, because they are committed to
values-based common goals
that they helped establish.
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Creativity and Contribution. In a group, members are told what to
do rather than being asked what the best approach would be.
Suggestion and
creativity are not encouraged. In a team, members contribute to the
organisation's success by applying their unique talents, knowledge and creativity to
team objectives.
Inspiring
Culture: 5 Elements
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Trust. In a group, members distrust the motives of
colleagues because they do not understand the role of other members. Expressions
of opinion or disagreement are considered divisive or non-supportive. In a
team, members work in a climate of
trust and are
encouraged to openly express ideas, opinions, disagreements and feelings.
Questions are welcomed.
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Common Understandings. In a group, members are so
cautious about what they say, that real understanding is not possible. Game
playing may occur and communication traps be set to catch the unwary. In a
team, members practice open and honest
communication.
They make an effort to understand each other's point of view.
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Personal Development. In a group, members receive good
training but are limited in applying it to the job by the manager or other group
members. In a team, members are encouraged to continually develop skills and
apply what they learn on the job. They perceive they have the support of the
team.
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Conflict Resolution. In a group, members find
themselves in conflict situations they do not know how to resolve. Their
supervisor/leader may put off intervention until serious damage is done, i.e. a
crisis situation. In a team, members realise conflict is a normal aspect of
human interaction but they view such situations as an opportunity for new ideas
and creativity. They work to
resolve conflict quickly and constructively.
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Participative Decision Making. In a group, members may
or may not participate in decisions affecting the team. Conformity often
appears more important than positive results. Win/lose situations are common.
In a team, members participate in decisions affecting the team but understand
their leader must make a final ruling whenever the team cannot decide, or an
emergency exists. Positive win/win results are the goal at all times.
Yin-Yang of Employee Empowerment
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Clear Leadership. In a group, members tend to work in
an unstructured environment with undetermined standards of performance. Leaders
do not
walk the talk and tend to lead from behind a desk. In a team, members
work in a structured environment, they know what boundaries exist and who has
final authority. The
leader sets
agreed high standards of performance and he/she is respected via active, willing
participation.
9 Roles of a Team Leader
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Commitment. In a group, members are uncommitted
towards excellence and personal pride. Performance levels tend to be mediocre.
Staff turnover is high because talented individuals quickly recognise that
(a) personal expectations are not being fulfilled
(b) they are not learning and growing from others and
(c) they are not working with the best people.
In a team, only
those committed to excellence are hired. Prospective team members are queuing
at the door to be recruited on the basis of their high levels of hard and soft
skill sets. Everyone works together in a harmonious environment.
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