Understanding Team Dynamics
Team Charter - what is it?
a document that defines the purpose of the team, their values, how the team will work, and the expected outcomes
(aka) roadmaps created at the beginning to make sure that everyone involved are clear about where they're heading, and provide a sense of direction when times get tough
helps the team to not be strayed away from the purpose and objectives, and cultivate a healthy team dyamic
Why use a team charter?
important to the development of effective teamwork, member satisfaction and performance quality
lets the team discuss and agree on members expectations (related to behaviour), meeting management and allocation of work
to establish a common frame of reference/disagreements regarding expectations and goals to the surface
establishing early consensus - which is critical in combating dysfunction in task structuring, norm development and decision making
Tuckman's Stages off Group Development
- Forming
team acquaints and establishes ground-rules
formalities preserved and members are treated as strangers
- Storming
start to communicate their feelings but still view themselves as individuals (rather than part of a team)
some members resist control by group leaders and show hostility
- Norming
members feel part of the team and realize that they can achieve work if they accept others' viewpoints
- Performing
open and trusting atmosphere where flexibility is key and hierarchy is of little importance.
- Adjourning
the team conducts assessment of the year and implements a plan for transitioning roles and recognizing members' contributions.
Competing
low cooperativeness, high assertiveness
direct communication / self oreintated
Pros
focus on getting your perspective accepted
when a speedy solution is needed and we are a higher position of power
teammates spur constructively
lead to interesting innovations
Cons
can results in animosity - hurtful feelings, stressful environment or hold grudges
Accommodating
high cooperativeness, low assertiveness
other-oriented, accept the perspective of the other party to call a truce
Pros
ideal when the conflict is a total waste of time
may seem like a good way to kill the heat for a moment
Cons
can lead to silencing of good ideas in order to appease (satisfy) others, which may lead to built-up resentment
Avoiding
low cooperativeness and also assertiveness
take a step back from the conflict to let it play out, the goal is to delay
Pros
feasible solution to a problem that seems impossible
ignoring the problem and focusing on the good can sometimes be the best way through it
Cons
least effective way as this simply dismisses the problem and neglects the need for solution
Collaborative
come together to create a mutually beneficial solution (win-win)
high cooperativeness, high assertiveness
Pros
best way to find solutions that benefit the entire team
built trust and respect within team members
some problems are super trivial and a waste of time
when cost of confrontation and resolution is far more than the cost of living with the conflict
buries the conflict, may lead to more future ones
used when both parties are on the same side, and are sensible or have similar authoritative power
Cons
everybody agrees with each other, extremely complacent, it can be difficult to decide what to do in the end/ come up with a single "best solution"
takes longer time, sometimes unrealistic
no obstacles or challenges to make people grow/learn