Building Effective Workteams
How can you turn your functioning work group into a dynamic, cohesive team who communicates well, meets performance goals on time, and completes tasks efficiently? You might think it's a pipe dream that requires more time and energy than it is worth, after all, the work in your department IS getting done. But building an effective team has rewards for its leader, members, and the organization; and requires effort from the whole group, not just the manager. The sooner you understand and apply the strategies listed below, the sooner your effective team will soar in the workplace.
What managers and team members often do not realize is that an effective team is NOT born simply because its participants have been selected. That would be like planting a seed in the back yard and expecting tomatoes to sprout within a day. Building an effective team is like nurturing a seedling. Like a seed, work groups have a life cycle during which they grow and mature. Many experts refer to the stages in this life cycle as Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing. Organizational trainer and author Susan Wheelan likens these stages to human psychological development. The stages and what can be expected during each are broken down in the following chart.
Stage is like: whereupon...
Forming Infancy Members are very dependent on leader
Need guidance and direction
Storming Adolescence Members challenge leader and each other
Conflicts arise
Norming Early Adulthood Members show more trust in leader and each other
Communication flows
Performing Older Adulthood Members are highly productive
Operate with confidence and efficiency
Introduced by group development researcher Bruce Tuckman, these four stages have gained recognition among managers and professional trainers in many industries. Based on Tuckman’s descriptions, these stages are further defined.
Forming - The leader sets the tone for the group and familiarizes team members to their tasks and to each other. Like infants, team members rely on the leader for direction and follow that direction without question. They also look to the leader and each other for acceptance.
Storming– As team members become acquainted with their work environment and each other, they may experience and create conflict and competition. Although they count on the leader for organization and structure, they challenge the leader - like teens might challenge their parent’s authority - and question the distribution of responsibilities and the rewards of job well done.
Norming– Team members identify with each other and recognize each other’s contributions. Like young adults, the team has more confidence and more trust for one another. They communicate more effectively, actively soliciting ideas and provide constructive feedback. The team functions with more cohesion. Members are able to share leadership on different projects, while the leader’s role becomes more consultative than directive.
Performing – Team members encounter true interdependence. If the team reaches this stage, they can work as individuals, subgroups, or as a full team with the ability to adjust their styles to the needs of each other and the task. The team has high morale, a good sense of identity, and sound focus on completing tasks through work and problem solving. Unfortunately, not all teams mature to the Performing stage. However, the following tips may aid in your work group becoming an effective team.
Building BlocksWhy do some work groups flourish into Performing while others struggle under the soil of Storming? Researchers would say that the secret is in the ingredients. It’s one thing to understand a team growth cycle, but that understanding alone can not bring your team to effectiveness. Both leaders and members must nurture the team, fill it with good nutrients – much like you would you tomato plant – and only then can the unit expect to function with high productivity and efficiency. Although there is no guarantee that following tactics lead teams to the Performing stage, they are good strategies to adopt strengthen the work environment.
Team MembersEven though these tips are directed at team leaders, team members still need to be active participants in order for the strategies to work. As a team member, be receptive to the opportunities for partnership as the leader or situation presents them, offer suggestions on how to complete tasks and support fellow team members when they make recommendations. Undertaking leadership responsibility is a way to show support for the team leader and demonstrate your willingness go the extra mile for team success. If things go wrong rather than placing blame, make positive contributions by suggesting solutions. Address issues in a timely manner by communicating positively when providing constructive feedback. Be respectful of other team members to earn their. Remember, the team is working for the overall success, and your performance will affect team productivity. Your positive attitude may rub off on others.
Pot of GoldYou may think that your team is effective because they get their work done. Evaluate your team. There may be opportunities for improvement.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky note that effective teams have cohesion, loyalty, and community - traits that enhance their ability to be productive. In teams that share responsibilities, individuals better use their talents, knowledge, and experience – making them feel more valuable and valued. Productive teams with valued members make decisions with confidence and have better response times. This overall improved atmosphere motivates people to come to work, their best and usually sets an example throughout the organization. Don’t settle for just-in-time solutions or average productivity, form some new habits that will create and nurture an effective team. By doing so, your team will reap all the benefits.
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