Developing the work team Essay

Submitted By Gosiaorchin
Words: 1645
Pages: 7

UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF TEAMS

Explain how teams differ from groups in the workplace (24 marks)

Teams are a group of individuals with the same goals and commitments. Teams have a joint responsibility to complete the tasks which means a team’s failure is a failure of the individuals forming that team.

A group is a form of people who focus on separate goals; they have their own responsibilities, roles and tasks. They are individually responsible for the outcome of the task.

The benefit of having a team over a group in my workplace is that as a team we can achieve more and get more work done in a shorter space of time. People within the team communicate better, are more committed to each other and the company, and are also more willing to take credit or criticism for their work as a group.

The structure in my organization is formed by two teams. People who work day shifts are one team and people who work late shifts are the other team. We form a group. Both teams have their own responsibilities and tasks to complete in order for the shop to run smoothly.

2. Describe the behavioural characteristics of an effective team (20 marks)

Clear objectives, realistic deadlines and agreed goals by all members of the team. Members should know what is expected from them in order to be more effective and finish tasks quicker. They have to be prepared to work together, support and help each other to achieve good results.
Good communication and participation from all members- regular short meetings to give feedback to members. appreciation and praise will keep morale high
Trust and support - each team member should trust the judgment of the others and their leader. Team leader shouldn't brush problems and differences under the carpet and let issues elevate to big arguments which are going to be hard to resolve. Members of the team should have a trust in their leader and his support if any problems (personal or at work) arise.
Diversity within the team and competent members. Each member should have different skill to offer a team. At the same time for the team to be an effective team members should be able to get along with each other.
Commitment. Achieving goals becomes easier when everybody is committed to each other and the company.
Good leader
Everyone takes initiative in order to get things done, no need to remind anyone about getting things done

3. Outline the stages of team development using a recognised model (16 marks)

Bruce Tuckman in 1965 proposed a model of a team in stages:

Forming - it is the first stage of a team building. Members are getting to know each other, they are on their best behaviour and avoiding conflicts. This stage is a good opportunity for team leader to see how members work as Individuals, and how they respond to pressure.
Storming - at this stage members start to confront each others ideas. The leader is challenged for control. Tensions are normal at this stage. Arguments and issues must be resolved otherwise can this cause the group to become angry and unproductive. This stage is an excellent time for team building. Some teams go through this stage relatively quickly and some never develop beyond this point.
Norming - group becomes effective, agrees to one common goal. Members start to trust each other, some members might be reluctant to speak up about their ideas in order to avoid conflict.
Performing - at this stage members are motivated and look after each other. Can work without supervision, leaders job is to delegate. At this stage change of circumstances (new leader, member leaving) can make team to revert to earlier stages.
Adjourning - this stage was added in 1977. At this stage the team breaks up after completing the task. Many relationships formed in teams that went through all stages continue long after the team disbands.

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