WEEKLY FOCUS
Teamwork
The Glue that holds a group of people together!
The Glue that holds a group of people together!
We often use the phrase “Teamwork” and in a variety of ways, but not often do we really consider what this means. A dictionary definition states “the combined action of a group, especially when effective and efficient”. The definition almost suggests that teamwork only needs to be present when something need to get done…A coming together to accomplish something.
For some, teamwork is when a group of people act as one, sharing the same values and vision, helping each other and in a selfless way for the good of each other and the end result. But how do we get the team to work together?
Dr Bruce Tuckman published his Forming Storming Norming Performing model in 1965. This theory is a great explanation of team development and behaviours. In very simple terms, four parts are present:
- Forming…This stage covers the stage where the team is forming and can include anxiety and uncertainty- members are cautious with each other, until they each feel accepted.
- Storming…This stage is where conflict and competition are at its greatest. Once the individuals start to understand each other some conflict may start to appear. This in part is as an element of natural hierarchy creeps in.
- Norming…This stage occurs when the group creates some “togetherness”. Morale is now much higher as the group members recognise the shared talents & skills etc. of one another. Similarly, an agreement of what has to be achieved.
- Performing…The team is now united as one, accepting the feeling of unity, comfortable to make decisions and work as one for the success of the team. True teamwork can now exist!
Every team at some stage will go through all or some elements of this model. The degrees of this will depend on a number of factors. These can include:
- A totally new team being formed
- An existing team with regular changes of personnel (high turnover)
- The amalgamation of teams…Think about large changes in structure.
For any team to succeed, they have to evolve to the “Performing” stage and the success of this will be very much down to the way that the team is lead. Clearly, you will need to recognise what has to happen, and how to generate true teamwork, and as quickly as possible…Imagine the difference between two teams…One taking four months to get to “Performing”, the other taking nine months…Consider the effect on the business?
Please email info@solution-focused.co.uk if you would like our free whitepaper which explains the “how”.
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships”.
Michael Jordan