FROM GROUP TO TEAM - THE 7 PRINCIPLES

FROM GROUP TO TEAM- THE 7 PRINCIPLES

 Knowing what makes a group or a team is a good starting point, but it is hardly enough. The next step would be to decide if you need a group or a team to carry out a plan.There are several factors that could be important, e.g. timeframe, nature of the task, or competencies, but usually, it is better to go with the “group’s more productive unit“ called team.Sadly to simply call a group a team instead, does not make the trick, but according to Maddux, there are seven principles to keep in mind and in check when aiming to form a team.

1. There is a shared understanding between the members that personal and team goals can be achieved best with mutual support.
2. Members feel a shared ownership of their work and the team’s goals and are committed to the commonly established (explicit or implicit) rules.
3. Everyone can contribute their personal or professional competencies to the success of the team’s goals.
4. There is room to express ideas and opinions, and team members are making effort to understand each other.
5. Nobody feels threatened by conflict and conflict is viewed as a normal aspect of teamwork.
6. There is an atmosphere of trust and encouragement, and members are encouraged to improve their skills and competencies.
7. The decision-making process is participative and no one is left out or unheard.

Surely these principles don’t appear overnight and it takes time, conscious effort and some activities to form or build a team. However, if you start to notice that finally everyone is active during decision making or conflicts are settled relatively easy you can be sure that a team was born. If you would like to hear experts on the importance of team building watch these brilliant TED talks on team building!

Source: https://www.sessionlab.com/blog/working-with-groups-and-teams/