Successful work groups need
three things:
(1) Shared goals that are clearly defined, (2)
Effective processes for accomplishing critical tasks, and (3) Positive relationships that encourage collaborative interaction.
For some
groups, everything seems to fall right into place, but others seem to
struggle for months or even years. And certain combinations of people
turn into truly toxic teams.
To evaluate your own group's strengths
and weaknesses, complete the
assessment below. Then use the results to make your group a winning
team instead of a lost cause.
STEP 1: Check the boxes
that apply to your team. If certain boxes are blank, then you
have some work to do!
v GOAL Assessment:
Do we
know where we're going?
o
Our goals have been clearly defined.
o
All members understand
their role and responsibilities.
o
We know what outcome or
"product" is expected from our work together.
o
All members agree that
the goals are important.
o
Management has explained how our work fits into
the larger picture.
v TASK Assessment:
Do we know
what we're doing?
o
In discussions, we stay
focused on the task and avoid unrelated topics.
o
Disagreements are
clearly defined and resolved.
o
All members are able
and willing to share information.
o
We welcome and explore
new ideas and suggestions.
o
During discussions, we
periodically stop to summarize where we are.
o
Decisions are made in a
timely manner.
o
Decisions are
communicated to everyone who needs to know.
o
We stick with schedules
and meet our deadlines.
o
Our meetings end with
assigned actions steps and responsibilities.
.
v RELATIONSHIP Assessment:
Can we work together successfully?
o
Team members all know one another
reasonably well.
o
Members have
discussed the individual hopes and concerns about our work.
o
We have identified our
shared interests and common goals.
o
Members always
communicate in a polite and respectful manner.
o
Members can acknowledge
and discuss different points of view.
o
In this group,
we understand the disagreement is healthy and desirable.
o
People can disagree in a constructive manner.
o
In discussions,
everyone is encouraged to participate.
o
We respect and use our
work style differences on this team.
o
We are able to turn
conflicts into problem-solving discussions.
o
Members
of this group like to laugh, joke, and have some fun together.
STEP 2: If you check these boxes, then you
have some problems! Take steps to break your team's bad habits.
v
PROBLEM Assessment: Do we have any destructive habits?
o
Team members spend a lot of time
socializing during meetings.
o
We tend to go off on lengthy tangents
during our discussions.
o
When differences arise,
members attack people instead of problems.
o
Some people withhold information that
others might need.
o
Some members withdraw and sulk when
people disagree with them.
o
We tend to shoot down
new ideas as soon as they are presented.
o
People tend to
get into control battles with the leader or one another.
o
Certain people always dominate the
discussion.
o
We have a tendency to
avoid conflicts or resolve issues through email.
o
We frequently
delay difficult decisions.
o
Team members often refuse to consider
other viewpoints.
