COMM : Applied Organizational Communication Instructor: Dan Lair Day Seventeen: Teamwork October 24, 2005

Today’s Agenda Group Consultation Review Case Study Procedure Overview of Teamwork Discussion of DeWine and Weisbord readings

Teams versus Groups A work team is: a small number of people with complementary skills who are committed to a common purpose, set of performance goals, and approach, for which they hold themselves accountable. --Durbin (1998) Question: How is this does this definition of “team” distinguish teams from more general “groups”? Why might that distinction be important?

Leadership and Teamwork: Team Facilitation versus Traditional Supervision The Supervisor: Plans, organizes, directs and controls Meets cost, quality, and timeline goals Manages and solves daily problems Plans and implements improvements Administers safety, housekeeping, and communication programs The Team Facilitator: Insures available resources Develops team; Counsels/coaches Represents the team to management Trains team in problem solving Assumes responsibility for indirect tasks; supports team’s work --By Zorn (2003)

Larson & LaFasto: Types of Effective Teams 1) A problem-solving team emphasizes trust and focuses on pressing issues (e.g., organizational development, epidemic prevention). 2) A creative team needs autonomy and explores possibilities and alternatives (e.g., advertising, R&D). 3) A tactical team requires clarity and is highly focused and directed (e.g., surgery, military campaign)

Discussion of DeWine and Weisbord