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“As long as you remain united, you are a match for
anything but differ and separate, and you are undone.”
Teams provide the opportunity for the group to develop a common vision and mission. The aim of team building is to help a group evolve into a cohesive unit whose members not only share and work together toward the same goals but also trust and support one another and respect individual differences. Effective teams don't just happen they take time and effort to develop. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Ask yourself ...
“Do you want to a collection of brilliant minds or a brilliant collection of minds?”
• They enlarge the resource base for each member/volunteer.
“If I could solve all the problems myself, I would.”
• Thomas Edison, when asked why he had a team of twenty-one assistants
“A team is more than a collection of people. It's a process of give and take.”
• A supportive environment can be developed that makes it easier for members/volunteers to get through difficult times.
• They provide a place for people to share and ask for help with work-related issues with others.
• Teams increase the possibility of creative problem solving.
“Teams share the burden and divide the grief”
• Doug Smith
“Just because we're all equal doesn't mean we're all the same.” “None of us is as smart as all of us.”
• Ken Blanchard
Teams have three basic needs and everything they do during team interactions can be linked to one of these needs.
• The need to achieve tasks and accomplish goals
• The need to maintain group cohesion and well-being, and
• The need to express and satisfy individual interest and desires.
• Be patient and caring with your team. “ When pulling a sled, unless you are the lead dog, all of the scenery looks the same.”
• Assume the best about people.
• Fix the problem, don't fix the blame. “Either we're pulling together, or we're pulling apart.”
• Focus on behavior, not attitude. TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More
• Establish regular, effective team meetings. Members of groups that do not meet regularly usually do not feel a strong sense of belonging and do not teak owenership for the success of the group.
• Focus on the goal, not the obstacles. “ The whole is greater than the sum of its pars.”
• Involve the right people in problem solving. “Shared value is the unifying force of a team.
• Don't use up all your energy on unsolvable problems.
• Develop the skills and discipline of effective problem solving.
• Know your roles, purpose, boundaries, and resources. “Teamwork divides the task and doubles the success.”
• Focus on results
• Remember that a team is not an end in itself.
“No one can whistle a symphony.
It takes an orchestra to play it.”
* H.E. Luccock
Adapted from Original Source: “Team Building and Group Dynamics ” - UT-Knoxville Leadership Guides.
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