TEAMWORK AND TEAM BUILDING KEYS TO GOAL ACHIEVEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

TEAMWORK DEFINED “ Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to obtain uncommon results.”

What Is A Team? A team comprises a group of people linked in a common purpose. Teams are especially appropriate for conducting tasks that are high in complexity and have many interdependent subtasks.group of people A group in itself does not necessarily constitute a team. Teams normally have members with complementary skills and generate synergy through a coordinated effort which allows each member to maximize his or her strengths and minimize his or her weaknesses.

GROUP OR TEAM? Members think they are grouped together for administrative purposes only. Individuals work independently;sometimes at cross purposes with others. Members recognize their interdependence 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

i Members tend to focus on themselves because they are not sufficiently Involved in the planning They see themselves as hired hands. Members are told what to do rather than being asked what the best approach would be. Suggestions are not encouraged.. Members feel a sense of ownership for their jobs because they are committed to goals they helped establish. Members contribute to the organizations success by applying their unique talents and knowledge to team objectives.

Members distrust the motives of colleagues because they do not understand the role of other members Members are so cautious of what they say that real understanding is not possible.Game playing may happen. Members work in a climate of trust and are encouraged to openly express ideas, opinions, disagreements, and feelings. Members practice open and honest communication and try to understand other point of views.

Members may receive good training but are limited in applying it to the job by other group members. Members find themselves in conflict situations which they do not know how to resolve Members are encouraged to develop skills and apply what they learn on the job. They receive the support of the team. Members recognize conflict as a normal aspect of human interaction, but see them as opportunities to resolve conflicts quickly

Members may or may not participate in decisions affecting the team. Conformity often appears more important than positive results Members participate in decisions affecting the team but understand their leader must make a final ruling when the team cannot decide or an emergency exists. Positive results, not conformity are the goal.

TEAM BUILDING The process of enabling a group of people to reach their goal. How is team building like climbing a mountain?

Every strength of every team members makes a difference. Reaching the peak requires the active contribution of each member, the willingness to challenge oneself and the safety that comes from the support of others. Building a team is like rowing a boat. Everyone must be rowing in the same direction, focused on the same goal.

Effective team members… Understand, support, and take ownership of team goals. Listen to everyone on the team. Focus on the balance between developing the team and accomplishing the task. See discussions of different ideas as opportunities for growth. Trust others on the team. Seek first to understand…then to be understood. Respect and value differences in every area. Communicate honestly…speak the truth in love. Know and utilize the strengths of others.

Process of Team Building Establish clear goals and directions Define roles and responsibilities of team members. Build relationships to improve teamwork, communication, trust and leadership

TRUST IS KEY TO TEAMBUILDING Fostering a spirit of teamwork is critical in times of change.The key element is trust. Trust for the leader and trust for each other

Seven Keys to Building Great Work Teams Commitment Contribution Communication Cooperation Connections Conflict Management Change Management

Commitment: Individuals are willing to put aside personal needs for the benefit of the organization. Contribution The more individuals feel a part of the team, the more they contribute, the more they contribute, the more they feel a part of the team. Connections A team that has connected support one another.

Communication Friendly communications are more likely when individuals know and respect one another Cooperation Follow-through, Accuracy, Creativity, Timeliness and Spirit

Five Dysfunctions of a Team Absence of trust Fear of conflict Lack of commitment Avoidance of accountability Inattention to results.

Results of A Strong Team Higher productivity Get along better Have more fun together Listen better Are less afraid to speak out Are energized by challenge Innovate more Assume responsibility Take Ownership Accomplish More

Characteristics of An Effective Team “Individuals play the game but teams win the championships.”

Common Expectations Expectations are clear and reciprocal. Staff knows what to expect from administrators and administrators know what to expect from staff. These expectations are based on a shared philosophy and mutually agreed upon goals.

More Quotes “It is amazing what can get done when nobody cares who gets the credit” Robert Yates “One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make a team” Kareem Abdul Jabbar

GIVE THE GIFT OF TEAMWORK AND BUILD A GREAT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL YOUTH