NEW MANAGER'S GUIDE TO SUCCESS
HOW TO HELP GROUPS AND TEAMS WORK AT THEIR BEST
Organisations are becoming aware of the benefits that group and team work can provide by increasing performance standards. As our workforce increases in diversity, the variety of work methods, values and attitudes held by individuals presents a challenge for managers. In maximising group performance, managers find that the most difficult aspect of group work is coordinating diversity.
Groups or Teams?
Groups and teams are not one and the same. Lets find out whether you are working with a group or with a team.
Does the group share leadership roles among individual members?
Are group members accountable for both individual outcomes and group outcomes?
Is the group committed to a common purpose?
Does the group work collectively rather than individually?
Does the group rely on discussion, debate and decision, more than simply sharing information?
Does the group measure performance by collective and individual results, rather than individual results alone?
If you answered Yes to each of these questions, you are dealing with a team.
Teams have been found to perform to a higher standard than work groups. Teams establish focus, momentum and commitment by collectively working to form a meaningful goal.
Building Effective Teams
The most effective teams have the following characteristics:
Group commitment to a common goal
A clear and challenging goal is required to provide direction and focus to your team members. Not only does your team require a common goal, but it also requires specific performance objectives to be defined in order to achieve the broader goal. It is important that all your team members are responsible for the accomplishment of these performance objectives and the overall goal. Further, measures of performance should be established so your workplace team can monitor its progress...