Leading through Team Development

Monday, June 27, 2011 4:59 PM

Leading through Team Development

Team-building is an essential skill for all good managers and leaders to possess. Transforming a collection of individuals into a successful team does not happen overnight. It takes time to build an effective, well-functioning team. Groups versus teams Do you know the fundamental difference between a group and a team? The following definitions from the Oxford English Dictionary highlight what distinguishes a team from a group: TeamA number of persons associated in some joint action. GroupA number of persons in a certain relation or having a certain degree of similarity. Both may share common characteristics, but the definition of a team includes the recognition of a shared purpose and the pooling of resources and skills to achieve a goal. A period of adjustment Most people take a while to adjust to new social situations. Becoming a member of a new work team requires a similar period of adjustment. As a manager, you need to be aware of the stages that a group will go through before it becomes an effective team. The five stages of team development B.W. Tuckman identified five distinct stages in team development. They are: 1. FormingIn this initial stage, the team is a collection of individuals trying to establish a group identity. Members avoid controversy and decisions. They are getting to know each other and exchange only inconsequential information. 2. StormingThis stage is characterized by competition and conflict. Everything is challenged, including the need for a team. In some cases, this stage is fatal for the group. 3. NormingDuring this stage, competition gives way to collaboration. The team's identity and purpose are reinforced, and there is an open exchange of information. High levels of trust are established. 4. Performing During the performing stage, members' skills are fully utilized. The stage is characterized by intense loyalty to the team, openness, and trust. Differences of opinion are welcomed, and levels of creativity and productivity are high. 5. AdjourningMany teams are created for a specific purpose and have a finite life. The breakup of an established team is often emotional, and this can distract from the performance of the group in the final stages. All teams have to progress through the stages in order, although the length of time any one team will stay in each stage may vary. Movement varies by team A team's progression through the stages depends on its makeup, the experience of team members, and the nature of the task. Some groups get no further than the storming stage. Other groups move rapidly through the early stages and quickly become efficiently performing teams. Know what to expect Knowing what to expect from each phase of team development can improve the speed and efficiency of moving forward. Understanding that the early stages are often challenging can prevent feelings of frustration when little progress is being made. Appreciating that the warring collection of individuals in the second stage can become a fully
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Appreciating that the warring collection of individuals in the second stage can become a fully functioning and focused team may alleviate the disillusionment often felt during this period. Make each stage effective It is important for new managers to understand the impact that these various stages of development will have on their teams and to anticipate how the team's work may be affected. Neither the new manager nor the team is to blame for the frustrations and conflict that is common during the early stages of team development. There are things a new manager can do at each stage to help the team be more effective: 1. FormingYou must put team members at ease and encourage them to make their own decisions. You should encourage more in-depth discussion and active listening and help the team clarify its goals. You also should help the team learn to receive feedback. 2. StormingAt this stage, you need to resolve, prevent, or reduce conflict. You must be prepared to be challenged, and you should break up cliques before they become destructive. All individuals on the team should be encouraged to participate equally and focus on achieving shared goals. 3. NormingAt this stage, the team will be receptive to new ideas. This should be encouraged, although it may be necessary to establish some rules. You will need to act as a facilitator, and you should be prepared to be flexible. You may need to coach or mentor the team. 4. Performing The team is cooperating well, so now you can evaluate its effectiveness. Make good use of the strong loyalty and high productivity associated with this period. Some differences of opinion will be tolerated. You should give praise where it is due without dividing the team. 5. AdjourningAt this stage, you will need to encourage the team to remain focused on the current task and avoid negativity. The team members should be given chances to maintain links once the process is complete, and they should be encouraged to acknowledge their successes. Take the appropriate actions By recognizing the stages of team development, you will be able to take appropriate actions to create more effective teams. Harmonious teams are crucial to the success of your department. Teams play a vital role in any organization and are the main units through which work is done. Using appropriate techniques to help them be successful is a vital management skill.
Course: Lead and Communicate Effectively as a New Manager Topic: Building Teams

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