Module II: Teams: An Overview

Groups

Groups are a normal part of life.

Every group is different:-Different purposes-Different people-Different relationships

Characteristics of Groups

1) Size

2) Interdependence of Members

3) Group Identity

4) Group Goals

5) Group Structure

Size

3-13 members*5 is considered optimal.*Some studies say as many as 20 can be functional.

Too large a group can lead to social loafing.

Interdependence of Members

Cooperation

Dependence

Mutual Influence

Subordination to Goal

Group Identity

Groups only exist when members are able to think of themselves as a group.

Shared Values

Shared Goals

Group Goals

Goals=the reason the group exists.

The group goal is not the same as individual goals.

Group Structure

Rules, Norms, and Roles

Informal Structure

Sometimes roles are defined formally.

Groups Vs. Teams

A team is a group of individuals who have come together to achieve a specific, common goal.

All teams are small groups, but not all small groups operate as teams.**

The definition of a small group that I gave you earlier clearly fits the definition of teams: Teams are typically small groups of people with a common purpose and a sense of belonging, who exert influence over one another.

Groups Vs. TeamsGroups Teams

Goals Goals may be discussed in general terms.

Clear, elevating goals drive all aspects of team

accomplishment. Roles and Responsibilities

Roles and responsibilities may be discussed but are not always explicitly defined

or developed .

Roles and responsibilities are clearly developed and discussed.

Rules Rules are not formally developed and evolve

according the group’s needs

Rules and operating procedures are clearly discussed and developed to help team work together.

Methods Group members interact, and work is usually divided.

Team members collaborate and coordinate efforts. Team members work

together interdependently.

Mission of team

Defined as 'Purpose, reason for being'. Defined simply "Who we are and what we do".

Vision of team

A Vision is defined as 'An Image of the future we seek to create'.

Rational of the teamProductivityMore innovationsLess time Effectivessness

Team roles

What is needed is not well balanced individuals, but individuals who balance well with each other.”

Roles Action-oriented roles

– Shaper, Implementer, and Completer-Finisher People-oriented roles

– Co-ordinator, Team-worker and Resource Investigator

Cerebral roles– Plant, Monitor-Evaluator and Specialist

Team-Role Descriptions: the Parts People Play in Effective Team operations

Team Role Contribution Allowance WeaknessPlant Creative, imaginative, unorthodox.

Solves difficult problems.Ignores Incidents. Too pre-occupied to communicate effectively

Resource Investigator

Extrovert, enthusiastic, communicative. Explores opportunities. Develops contacts.

Over-optimistic. Loses interest once initial enthusiasm has passed.

Co-ordinator Mature, confident, a good chairperson. Clarifies goals, promotes decision-making, delegates well.

Can be seen as manipulative. Offloads personal work.

Team Role Contribution Allowance WeaknessShaper Challenging, dynamic, thrives on

pressure. The drive and courage to overcome obstacles.

Prone to provocation. Offends people’s feelings.

Monitor Evaluator

Sober, strategic and discerning. Sees all options. Judges accurately.

Lacks drive and ability to inspire others.

Team-worker Co-operative, mild, perceptive and diplomatic. Listens, builds, averts friction.

Indecisive in crunch situations.

Team-Role Descriptions: the Parts People Play in Effective Team Operations

Team Role Contribution Allowance WeaknessImplementor Disciplined, reliable, conservative

and efficient. Turns ideas into practical actions.

Somewhat inflexible. Slow to respond to new possibilities.

Completer Finisher

Painstaking, conscientious, anxious. Searches out errors and omissions. Delivers on time.

Inclined to worry unduly. Reluctant to delegate.

Specialist Single-minded, self-starting, dedicated. Provides knowledge and skills in rare supply.

Contributes on only a narrow front. Dwells on technicalities.

Source-Belbin, R.M. Team Roles at Work, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 1993

Team-Role Descriptions: the Parts People Play in Effective Team Operations

Belbin’s Ideal Team10 One Co-ordinator or one ShaperOne InnovatorOne Monitor-EvaluatorOne or more

Implementer 2Team worker 2Resource Investigator 2One Finisher-Completer 1