Teamwork A Guide to Working Better in a Group

Learning Objectives By the end of the session the student will be able to: Identify the different roles present within a team Explain what makes a successful team Work effectively to complete challenges in a group

Team working involves working confidently in a group: Contributing ideas Accepting constructive criticism Giving positive feedback to others The skill of working in a team will be used in college, university and throughout your working life. Team Work

Roles Within a Team

Roles Compromiser Tries to maintain harmony among the team members. They will introduce people and make others feel comfortable. They are diplomatic and may be willing to change their own views to get a group decision. Leader These outgoing people keep the group "on-track". They are good at controlling the situation and delegating tasks, and have energy, determination and initiative. Avoider Refuses to focus on the task or on group relationship problems. Often plays with phone and is easily distracted. Self- Confessor Uses the group as a forum to discuss personal life

Roles Ideas Person This person suggests original and new ideas to solve group problems or suggests new ways for the group to organize the task. They dislike orthodoxy and are not too concerned with practicalities. Butterfly Keeps jumping between topics and changing points of discussion before the team is ready. Critic Always sees the negative side to any argument, but never suggests alternatives. Puts down the ideas of others. Recorder Keeps the group focused and organised. They are usually the first person to offer to take notes to keep a record of ideas and decisions. They also like to act as time-keeper. Encourager Energises groups when motivation is low through humour or being enthusiastic. They are positive individuals who support and praise other group members. They may use humour to break tensions in the group.

Top Tips Make sure everyone understands the task. What is being asked and what are the criteria on which you will be marked? Make the atmosphere as informal and supportive as possible so people who may be quiet feel comfortable contributing. Listen to and discuss everyone’s ideas. Agree goals and responsibilities between the team, breaking the task into manageable chunks. Find out what people’s strengths are and use these to your advantage. If the work will take several meetings, organise a schedule for this.