An Introduction to Teamwork

An Introduction to Teamwork

Authored by Andrea White, PhD andValerie West, EdD for the C3 InitiativeAdapted by Judith Kizzie, PhDWhat is a Team?Two or more individuals with a high degree of interdependence geared toward the achievement of a goal or the completion of a task.

Teams make decisions, solve problems, provide support, accomplish missions, and plan their work.

How is a Team Different from a Group or Committee? Teams embody a collective action arising out of task interdependency

Members of the team agree on the goal

Members agree that they must work together to achieve the goal

Each member is viewed as having one or more important roles to play to successfully achieve the goal

There is less hierarchy within the unit than in most work groups

Why is Teamwork Important in Business?Todays employers expect their employees to have teamwork skills, as much of the current workplace uses teams to get work done. Learning these skills increases job hunting success.

Promoting teamwork and good communication among business professionals can dramatically improve effective product delivery. This results in much better outcomes for customers, which in turn increases overall business success and profits.

Understanding group behaviorSince teams are a specific type of group, its helpful to understand a bit of overall group dynamics

Group Content - what is being said, the words, the discussion

Group Process - how the group works, methods, ways of making decisions, how people participate

Aspects of Group Process: CommunicationWho talks to whom? Who interrupts and how is it handled?How are quiet members treated?High and low participators? Shifts in participation levels?Do people look at each other when they talk?How are new members treated?

Aspects of Group Process: Decision-makingWhat process does the group use to make decisions?Is the process agreed upon by everyone?Does the process change as group proceeds?Does anyone make a decision and carry it out without agreement from the others?Is there evidence of a majority pushing a decisionAre minority opinions heard?Aspects of Group Process: Problem-solvingDoes the group take time to understand the problem?Is the problem well articulated?Is there time for brainstorming creative solutions?Can the group move to from problem identification, identifying possible solutions, to selecting solutions and implementation?

Recognizing Negative BehaviorBlockingAggressionDominatingWithdrawing

Attitudes for Effective TeamworkAppreciation for value of team decisionsRespect for team membersMutual trustOpenness to feedbackReflection on group process and interest in improvingShared visionWhat are Characteristics of Effective Teams? Members have a clear goalThe focus is on achieving resultsThere is a plan for achieving the goalMembers have clear rolesMembers are committed to the goalMembers are competentThey achieve decisions through consensusThere is diversity among team membersMembers have effective interpersonal skillsThey know each other well and have good relationships

Effective Team-Building Takes TimeThere must be frequent and prolonged contact

Team members come together around a specific goal or project

Effective teams go through four stages of team development

What are the Four Stages of Team Development?FormingStormingNormingPerforming

Every effective team goes through these life cycle stages

FormingTeam members are introduced and begin getting to know each otherGoals and tasks are establishedGenerally polite behavior among membersNorms are not understood

StormingMembers are sizing each other up and may feel more comfortable and voice their viewsMembers may compete for team rolesMay argue about goals or how they should be accomplishedMay choose sides against other members

NormingOnce issues are resolved, agreement occurs around team norms and expectations

Trust and common interests are developing

Roles and objectives are clarified and understood

PerformingMembers make contributions and are motivated by resultsLeadership is shared according to members knowledge and skillsNorms and culture are well understoodTasks get accomplished effectively and efficiently

ReferencesThiagarajan, S. and Parker, G. (1999). Teamwork and Teamplay. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer.

Dean, P., LaVallee, R., & McLaughlin, C. (1999). Teams at the core of continuous learning in McLaughlin, & Kaluzny, A. (eds.) Continuous Quality Improvement in Health Care: Theory, Implementation, and Applications, 147 168.