Introduction To Teaming I. Prominence of Teams in the Workplace A. Self-Directed Work Teams B. Continuous Quality Improvement Teams C. Participative Management D. Cross-Functional Design Teams II. The Nature of Teams A. Teams are defined as high performing task groups whose members are actively interdependent and share common performance objectives. 11/28/2018
1. A highly motivating work climate - team spirit B. Advantages 1. A highly motivating work climate - team spirit 2. Shared ownership of work tasks - flexible delegation of tasks 3. Faster response to changing requirements 4. Higher creativity/motivation and better decision making 5. Improved cross-functional communication and problem detection 6. Higher learning in team members from contact with others 11/28/2018
2. Poor leadership can produce a lack of team effectiveness C. Disadvantages 1. Team meetings can be time consuming -- consensus building takes time 2. Poor leadership can produce a lack of team effectiveness 3. Many people lack team member skills 4. Differences in commitment/ effort can lead to conflicts and resentment 5. Disciplinary differences can lead to communication difficulties 6. Some teams become overly cohesive and screen out relevant information 11/28/2018
Processes of Effective Teams 1. Collective Decision Making 2. Collaboration/Interchangability 3. Appreciation of Conflict/Differences 4. Balance of Participation 5. Focus 6. Open Communication 7. Mutual Support 8. Team Spirit 11/28/2018
The Nature of Individual Commitment to a Team 1. Willing to Commit Time and Effort 2. Willing to Work Hard 3. Willing to Identify Team Membership with Self 4. Willing to Put Team Goals Ahead of Personal Goals 11/28/2018
Common Team Problems 1. Floundering - part way through the project you loose focus and momentum 2. Monopolizing participants 3. Personalizing problems that are a function of non-personal factors 4. Power struggles 5. Externalizing - deciding that the “powers that be” have made it difficult or impossible for the team to succeed 11/28/2018