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EQF LEVEL (INTERNAL REFERENCE): 3
Keywords:
Introduction:
Expected Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this learning unit, you will be able to understand how to build your own team, identify the team members’ key identities and use these as part of team building activities to help the team get to know each other, create a sense of team identity and provide a good basis for cooperation.
Content:
We see this sentence written in job advertisements again and again. Your boss, the HR team and your colleagues talk about it all the time: “You’re good at working in a team” or “We really value team players”. But what is a team exactly? What is it that characterises a team?
In 1996 Rosini came up with several key terms which define the concept of a team. This lead to a series of experiments being set up which allowed them to observe how people behave and the qualities they exhibit when they work together on something. Any characteristics that appeared to crop up again and again were noted down by Rosini. In 1999 Mabey and Caird came up with six terms which define a team. If you read on, you’ll find a summary of the most important characteristics of a team:
Number of Team Members
A team has to be made up of at least two people. Ideally, 2-8, maximum 12, people work together in a team. It is imperative that the members work in close contact with one another. The team shouldn’t be too big though. This would make internal communication too difficult.
Development of a team identity
The team takes on its own identity which should be separate from that of the individual team members’ identities. Each team member should see themselves as being part of the team. This could be achieved by establishing similar interests, activities or goals. If all team members essentially feel comfortable and accepted within the team, then this helps them to identify with the team itself.
If, for example, a sports team is set up or the team members change, the new team then has to get to know each other. Group or targeted team building activities can help team members to develop a sense of belonging.
Clear common goals and plans
To kick-off the team building, a common goal – agreed on by all team members – must be set. Only once the common goal has been set, can the team members be called team players. Each team member has a role assigned to them and knows exactly what it is they have to do. This means that each member of the team has to complete certain tasks. If they are not able to do this, then the common goal won’t be reached.
Individual Skill Set
A team thrives on the diverse skill sets which each member brings to the table. Depending on how complimentary your team members’ skills are, this will affect the team’s ability to achieve its goals. The individual skills themselves will not help the team to achieve its goals. Team members complete their own tasks and help each other out. Strong teams can be identified by their ability to allow individual achievements to shine.
In conclusion, the most important characteristic of a team is a common goal. This is the only thing which unites the team members and creates a feeling of togetherness. If this is achieved, team members will feel motivated to achieve the common goal and are aware of which direction they should be going in. The definition of a common goal allows all team members to carry responsibility, rather than just one person. A team which works together will achieve more in the end than one person who only pursues their personal goals.
SOURCES
Short url: https://clilstore.eu/cs/11098
