Teamwork and ProblemSolving Skills Chapter 4 Teamwork and

Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills Chapter 4

Teamwork and Problem. Solving Skills n n Stages of Team Development You can’t group strangers together and expect them to perform well right away. Team development evolves in stages. The stages of development are: n n Forming Storming Norming Performing

Teamwork and Problem. Solving Skills Stage 1 -Forming n Teams go through the forming stage when they first come together n In many cases, the members may not know each other well. They may feel uncomfortable, afraid to speak and full of doubts. n During this stage, team members become acquainted and discuss the purpose of the team. n

Teamwork and Problem. Solving Skills n n n Stage 2 -Storming Disagreements are likely to occur when team members get to know each other better. There may be disagreements over how the team operates, who is in charge, or when and where the team meets. Personalities may clash and arguments may arise. This is also the stage when members begin to trust each other and share their feelings more openly.

Teamwork and Problem. Solving Skills n n Stage 3 -Norming At this stage, team members begin to work together and leaders emerge. The team resolves disagreements that began in stage 2. The members openly discuss issues, listen to one another and become more involved. n n The title “Norming” comes from the scientific term “norm”. A norm is a pattern that is typical in the development of a social group.

Teamwork and Problem. Solving Skills n n n Stage 4 -Performing This is the highest level of team performance. The positive feelings that developed in stage 3 continue to grow. Members of the team are dedicated and committed to the team. They take responsibility for making improvements and examine the best possible way for them to function. They work at maximum efficiency.

What Your Employer Expects Characteristics of an Effective Team n Shares Leadership n Leadership on effective teams is shared among the members. n Often the person who knows the most about the problem or subject, serves as the team leader until that problem is solved. n When a new problem is faced, the most expert person on that issue becomes the next leader. n

Teamwork and Problem. Solving Skills n n n When leadership is shared, everyone feels responsible for the success or failure of the team. All members of the group are willing to make decisions and take responsibility for them. Leadership doesn’t mean telling others what to do. It involves helping the team move forward. A leader listens and encourages the team members. People who like to control others are not very effective team leaders.

Teamwork and Problem. Solving Skills Rotates Team Roles n A good team keeps everyone involved. n One way to accomplish this is to assign roles to members. n Besides rotating team leaders, other roles need to be assigned to different members as well. n Taking turns performing the roles increases interest in the team’s activities. n

Teamwork and Problem. Solving Skills n n n Team Roles Leader-sets the team’s agenda and helps the group make progress Encourager-inspires everyone to participate and makes certain that everyone’s opinions are heard. Taskmaster-keeps the group focused on achieving the goal(s). Critic-questions the assumptions expressed and decisions made Recorder-keeps detailed notes.

Teamwork and Problem. Solving Skills n n n Stays Focused An effective team consists of members always aware of their missions. There are several ways to keep the team’s focus on its mission. Using humor effectively n n n Relaxes team members and helps them focus on the issues. Groups can become too frustrated and tense. Humor helps release tension. Make sure humor is never used to “put down” or embarrass another team member.

Teamwork and Problem. Solving Skills n Taking a break n n n Listing goals n n n Taking a break can relieve pressure, reduce tension, and get a team back on track. Team members often return with fresh ideas and more positive attitudes after breaks. Helps team members continually move forward. Concentrating on the steps everyone must take to achieve that goal keeps the team focused. A goal is something you want to attain.

Teamwork and Problem. Solving Skills One tool for staying focused is a Gantt chart. n A Gantt chart is a graph that shows the steps of a task divided across a timetable. n Teams can tell at a glance what phase of a goal should be in progress. n Week 1 Buy advertizing space Run ads In store promotions Measure sale X Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 X X X

Teamwork and Problem. Solving Skills n n n Members of effective teams agree on what they are trying to do. The team members are able to set and meet deadlines. They encourage each other and celebrate both team and individual accomplishments. Effective teams make sure everyone understands the plan and helps carry it out. The team checks on the way it operates to see if it can work better.