by D. P. Noe

Created on: January 09, 2010

Members on a team will spend a lot of time spinning their wheels if there are not clear directions set. Individuals on a team are more productive if they can work together. A successful team exhibits behaviors from the team members that build trust, have a freedom to openly express their opinions and know how to bend and listen to new ideas. There should always be established values and behaviors that are acceptable and rules about behaviors that are not acceptable.

In the forming stage of a team, this is where the individuals all come together and make sure that the team has a clear understanding of the purpose, what the scope of responsibility is for each team member, and the goals and boundaries of authority are clearly stated. The individuals on the team must firmly believe that they are needed and be able to work together to achieve the identified goal. The facilitator may see the necessity for the iindividuals on the team to become better acquainted with each other and build a chemistry between them that will enhance meeting their goals.

Initially the team usually goes through a stage where there is some conflict and disagreement. This is a normal stage that happens when individuals are getting use to working together. This is not a sign that the team cannot work together. Individuals are learning what can be expected from each other and identify barriers that keep coming out to prevent them from becoming a collaborative group working effectively together.

Once the team works out the barriers, the team starts to work together better. They will show progress and have learned to make decisions together. The team will be positive about their success and become productive to achieve their established goals. If any of the team members exhibit behaviors that they are only interested in their success, this is when the facilitator of the team needs to step up to the plate.  This individual needs to be told clearly that they will not be successful on their own and the team is a collaborative effort. If the negative behavior continues, the individual should be asked to leave the team if they cannot work together.

When teams have a high level of commitment and eagerness to reach their objectives, there will be more creative ideas and information shared between all team members. There will be a consensus about decisions that are necessary to be made to reach the teams objectives and goals. Creative teams will develop creative solutions to achieve their goals.

In the end it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the teams success and accomplishment in meeting their goals. Reward the team performance and not just individuals on the team. Without everyone working together there would never have been success in meeting and achieving the goals they set out to accomplish.

Learn more about this author, D. P. Noe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.