Teamwork

Definition A team is a group of people with a high degree of interdependence focused on the achievement of some goal or task. The group agrees on the goal and the process of achievement. Parker, Glenn & Dropp, Richard, 50 Activities for Team Bulding, HRD Press, Vol. I, 1992, pg. vii.

Character Traits of Effective Teams Honesty—Team members must be honest with each other. Selflessness—Willing to put the team’s interests above their own. Dependability—The performance of each individual depends to some extent on the work of the other team members.

Character Traits of Effective Teams Enthusiasm—Helps team members persevere when the going gets tough Responsibility—Team members take responsibility for their own work and that of the team—don’t blame others when things go wrong Cooperativeness—Team members must cooperate in order to meet the same goal

Character Traits of Effective Teams Initiative—Recognizing what needs to be done and doing it without waiting to be told—never say “that’s not my job.” Patience—Learning to work together on a daily basis using human relations skills. Resourcefulness—Finding a way to get the job done regardless of obstacles.

Character Traits of Effective Teams Punctuality—On time, on schedule shows respect for other team members, customers, and stakeholders. Tolerance/sensitivity—diversity (race, gender, religion, culture, age, politics, etc.) can strengthen a team as long as members are tolerant to these differences. Perseverance—persist unrelentingly in completing a task, regardless of obstacles.

Common Causes of Team Conflict Limited resources Incompatible goals Role ambiguity Different values Different perspectives Communication problems

Conflict Resolution Determine the importance of the issue to all people involved. Determine whether the people involved are willing and able to discuss the issue in a positive manner. Select a private place where the issue can be discussed confidentially by everyone involved.

Conflict Resolution Make sure that both sides understand they are responsible for both the problem and the solution. Solicit opening comments from both sides. Express concerns, feelings, ideas, and thoughts—in a nonaccusatory manner. Guide participants toward a clear and specific definition of the problem.

Conflict Resolution Encourage participants to propose solutions, examine the problem from a variety of perspectives, and discuss all solutions proposed. Evaluate the costs versus the gains of all proposed solutions and discuss them openly. Reflect on the issue and encourage participants to express their opinions on how to improve the process. Goetsch, David. Effective Teamwork, Ten Steps for Technical Professions, Prentice Hall, 2004, pgs. Xii-xiii,84, 86.