Words of Wisdom Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results. -- Andrew Carnegie

Thoughts on Teamwork... teams, not individuals, are the fundamental learning unit in modern organizations. …unless teams can learn, the organization cannot learn. -- Peter M. Senge, The Fifth Discipline

Why Teams?  That’s the way work gets done!  Employers look for team players and team leaders when they interview  Businesses depend on effective teamwork – constantly trying to improve it  “Teams without walls” International teams Virtual teams  Your future success depends on your teamwork skills!

Thoughts from an Employer "Careers are often derailed by an individual's inability to effectively work on a team and handle conflict.“ -- James Chuber Vice President, Duke Power and COE Leadership Academy Advisory Committee Member

More Thoughts About Teamwork Most potential teams can become real teams, but not without taking risks involving conflict, trust, interdependence, and hard work… the most successful teams recognize their members' conflicting views and experiences as a source of strength. -- Jon R. Katzenbach and Douglas K. Smith, The Wisdom of Teams

Did You Know?* Americans in the workplace  60% prefer to work in teams  66% of women prefer teamwork  54% of men prefer teamwork  Adult workers spend 61% of time working in teams  90% have exposure to teams, 50% receive team training  72% say that working in teams makes the job less stressful  67% say it makes them feel better about their jobs  66% say it improves quality, productivity, and profitability What makes teams successful?  33% - getting along  29% - listening  21% - setting priorities  6% - feeling recognized  6% - having everyone agree  4% - deciding who's in charge * From Teamwork in the American Workplace, Dale Carnegie & Associates from Training and Development, January, Pp

Stages of Team Development 1.Forming 2.Storming 3.Norming 4.Performing

Forming Stage: Getting to Know One Another  Characteristics of this stage Unclear roles and responsibilities Unclear purpose and tasks Lofty, conceptual discussions as people try to express who they are Discussions about what information needs to be gathered  How to address this stage Take time to get to know one another Make sure the purpose and task are clearly defined Set and communicate expectations Complete a team “contract” Clarify roles and responsibilities Begin developing a “road map,” i.e. a plan of action Adapted from

Storming Stage: Overcoming Conflict  Characteristics of this stage Most difficult stage Issues of control and “turf” Frustration, irritation, and impatience General disagreement over process, task, and overall purpose Lack of progress  How to address this stage Acknowledge it as a natural – and necessary - developmental step Surface the conflicts and address them Review team contract and administrative matters Clarify roles and responsibilities Revisit the purpose of the team Adapted from

Norming Stage: Getting Down to Business  Characteristics of this stage Ground rules and formal procedures are now taken more seriously Conflicts are addressed and resolved Less time is spent on idea generation and more on decision making Agenda items are limited to focus on specific topics Subgroups may be formed to move along faster Progress is evident  How to address this stage Implement an effective work process Identify and delegate tasks Optimize use of resources by drawing on members’ strengths Follow the “road map” to ensure successful completion Provide constructive feedback to one another  Focus on the problem – not the personality  Be honest and be kind Adapted from

Performing Stage: Achieving the Impossible  Characteristics of this stage Enhanced productivity Highly effective problem-solving Proactive behaviors and language Loyalty to the group Respect for opposing viewpoints  How to address this stage Self-regulate “road maps,” processes, decision making, and other team matters Adapted from

Decision-Making by Consensus  All the team members find common ground  Does not necessarily mean a unanimous vote  Everyone has an opportunity to express their views and to hear the views of others  Open sharing of ideas  Often leads to better, more creative solutions, i.e. “synergy”  It’s time consuming!

Successful Teams Checklist Are effective communication channels in place? Is the team committed to excellence? Does everyone on the team know their specific role? Do the individuals on the team regularly operate out of their strengths as opposed to their weaknesses? Do members understand – and share – the common goals and vision? Is there a detailed plan of action for success? Do team members respect and appreciate one another? Does the team take a break from time to time to just have fun together? Adapted from