1. Quality Counts - GOLD
Teamwork

2. Overview Teamwork is important in livestock projects.
Adults should understand the stages of team development.
Family members must understand their roles in the team process.
Adults must teach young people the difference between gamesmanship and sportsmanship.

3. Synergy in Teams
Synergy – the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects
Groups with strong synergy have the following characteristics:
Shared leadership roles among members
Individual accountability
Agreed upon purposes and/or goals
Collective work products
Active problem solving
Working as a team allows individuals to work more effectively toward a shared vision.

4. What is a team?
Team – a number of persons associated together in work or activity
Adults should:
Help young people develop life skills
Help young people develop good character
Identifying roles within a team is important.
Families must plan and set goals in the beginning.

5. Team Development Process
Stages define roles of team members and of the leader.
Stages:
Forming
Storming
Norming
Performing
Adjourning

6. Forming Period of uncertainty.
Members become acquainted with each other and are very excited.
Focus on making members comfortable and defining goals.
Leader helps members get acquainted and build trust among each other.
Leader must begin clarifying roles and provide direction.

7. Forming in Livestock Projects
Project has arrived and everyone is excited.
Leader makes sure everyone knows how to care for animal.
Excitement continues as everyone is interested in helping .
Each team member is identifying his/her role.

8. Storming Most difficult stage.
Conflict may occur because members have different personalities.
Leader must deal with issues such as power, authority, working collectively.
Leader must emphasize each person’s role.
Leader must help divide up responsibility.

9. Storming in Livestock Projects
Members realize a livestock project is a lot of work.
Members become frustrated with their roles and the way others are performing.
Ex. Someone didn’t clean pen
Leader must recognize the frustration and take action by uniting the team.

10. Norming Team members work more collaboratively.
Members understand they can work more efficiently if they don’t compete with one another.
Leaders must emphasize cooperation and the importance of each person using his/her talents to contribute to the group effort.
Collaboration is most important in this stage.

11. Norming in Livestock Projects
Leader discusses what is happening with the project.
Members see they must work together to accomplish tasks.
Leader emphasizes goals and makes sure they are written down.
Cleaning stalls, feeding, exercising, etc.
Members must learn to adapt and make changes when necessary.
Team should map out weekly schedules.

12. Performing
Group members understand each other and are able to work more effectively.
Controversy is handled in an orderly manner.
The time it takes to reach this stage varies.
Leaders must help manage change in this stage.
Leaders should identify members who adapt to change better than others.
Leader should praise members for good teamwork and overcoming obstacles.

13. Performing in Livestock Projects
Team is following its plan and completing tasks.
Leader should hold team meetings (once a week) to discuss progress and celebrate success, allowing members to take turns leading meetings.
Leader helps members build ownership and take responsibility.

14. Adjourning Members finish tasks and reflect on their accomplishments.
Plans are made for the future.
Members begin moving on to new tasks.
Members may have a feeling of loss because of the bonds formed with team members.
Leader must celebrate the team’s accomplishments and thank members for hard work and dedication.
Everyone is a winner!

15. Adjourning in Livestock Projects
It’s SHOWTIME!
End of project year means showing livestock on the county, regional or state level.
Win, lose or draw, the team is successful when they know they have done their best and achieved their goals
Everyone should celebrate accomplishments (no matter how big or small). This is part of positive reinforcement.

16. Role of Family Members in Team Process
Family members should be a young person’s main supporters.
Families must find time to work collaboratively on livestock projects.
All family members should have a role.
Involving family members makes them feel they have a stake in the project.
Family members should be held accountable.
Planning and working collaboratively will ensure a properly cared for animal.

17. Role of Family (continued)
Differences in opinions will arise.
The way team members handle differences will determine their success.
Covey said, “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.”
When members base their opinions on facts, they can come together in a mutual agreement.

18. Gamesmanship vs. Sportsmanship
Raising livestock is an educational activity that builds life skills and good character.
Adults should emphasize the importance of showmanship.
Ex. Older person helping younger person in the show ring
Adults must demonstrate ethical practices with livestock projects.
Young people who see parents engage in unethical practices may do the same.

19. Role of County Extension Agent or Ag. Science Teacher in Team Process
Serves as manager of the team
Helps with areas such as validation, tagging and weighing, show entry cards, educational resources, and introducing youth to agriculture
Helps teach life skills and good character
Must recruit youth to become involved

20. Role of County Extension Agent or Ag. Science Teacher in Team Process
Supports families in the day-to-day raising of livestock
Informs young people about other opportunities and activities related to agriculture
Must recognize the efforts put forth by families

21. Conclusion
Understanding how to work in teams effectively is an important part of youth development.
Families, county Extension agents and ag. science teachers can help young people learn how to work in teams.
Each individual in a team has a role.

22. Conclusion (continued)
Families manage the day-to-day care of animals.
County Extension agents / ag. science teachers oversee livestock projects.
The more families and county Extension agents/ag. science teachers understand their roles in the team process, the more efficient and productive they will be with youth livestock projects.
Effective teamwork builds character and life skills.