Information Bulletin No 12

Teams

Introduction

A team is where more than one person is brought together to work on a particular activity. It may be short-term or on going, depending on the expected outcome.

Each of us belongs to many teams in the course of our everyday life. This includes the workplace, in the community and our family.

Characteristics of a Successful Team

A team's success will relate to its leadership and the individual participants. Each member's skills, experience and passion will collectively determine the level of success achieved and whether the team has the ability to move to the next higher level.

It is important to match the individual team member's skill to the role they will perform.

Quotation:

"High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation."

Jack Kinder, Speaker

For a team to achieve, it must have certain characteristics. Some of these characteristics would be:

It must have a clearly defined goal understood by all team members. This will give direction and confidence to the team members;
There must be leader(s). That is, people who do what has to be done. They lead by example. Other team members will follow their example;
Be flexible and change when necessary. A team must be able to recognise and then make changes to suit the prevailing environment and economic factors. It must keep its eye on the goals and how it is performing and respond accordingly;
Know that they can count on the other members. All team members must have an understanding of each other and be able to rely on each other when required. Trust is paramount; and
Have succession planning. People will come and go. What plans are in place to replace people will impact on the rate of progress of the team. Transition of team members has to be handled smoothly.

As well as having the above, there are a number of factors that will decrease the level of performance and the effectiveness of the team. These include poor individual performers or members who are mismatched with their capabilities. Bad attitudes of some team members can affect other members.

Quotation:

"There's an old saying when it comes to teams: Either we're pulling together or we're pulling apart."

John Maxwell

Conclusion

Creating and maintaining a team that is going to succeed for the life of the project or over an extended period is no simple task. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses associated with teams will help in the establishment of a great team.

The Dynamic Improvements Programme will bring about an enhancement in teamwork through participants working together, as well as individually, on the modules of the programme. Specific modules are available relating to team work.

Please contact Graeme Alford, Principal Executive/Life Coach, for further information.