Chapter 13: Teams

Team

A small group with complementary skills, committed to a common purpose, performance goals, and approach.

Group

Two or more individuals who share norms, goals, and a common identity.

Importance of Teamwork

Teams enhance problem-solving, creativity, and productivity by combining diverse skills and perspectives.

Advice Teams

Teams that provide information for decision-making, such as committees and review panels.

Production Teams

Teams that handle daily operations, like assembly teams and maintenance crews.

Project Teams

Teams that solve creative problems using specialized knowledge, such as task forces.

Action Teams

Teams that perform high-coordination tasks with specialized training, like surgery and SWAT teams.

Forming Stage

The stage where members get oriented and acquainted; socialization is important.

Storming Stage

The stage where conflicts arise as personalities and roles emerge; idea-sharing and conflict resolution should be encouraged.

Norming Stage

The stage where roles and norms are established and unity develops; team goals and values should be emphasized.

Performing Stage

The stage where members focus on problem-solving and task completion, emphasizing autonomy and resource provision.

Adjourning Stage

The stage where the team disbands after task completion; it’s important to celebrate successes and transition smoothly.

Cooperation

Integrated efforts by team members toward shared objectives.

Trust

Reciprocal faith in intentions and behaviors within the team.

Cohesiveness

The unity and sticking together of team members.

Groupthink

The group's unwillingness to consider alternatives, often due to peer pressure.

Functional Conflict

A type of conflict that benefits the organization through constructive debate.

Dysfunctional Conflict

A type of conflict that hinders performance, often leading to personal disputes.

Devil’s Advocacy

A method where someone is assigned to question and test proposals.

Dialectic Method

A debating approach that involves opposing views to enhance understanding.

Lessons from 'Ocean’s Eleven'

Demonstrates an action team’s complement of skills, trust, motivation, and cohesion through shared goals.

Key Takeaway: Teams

Are essential for achieving complex goals efficiently.

Key Takeaway: Effective teams

Balance size, roles, and norms to foster collaboration.

Key Takeaway: Constructive conflict

When managed well, enhances team performance.