It takes time, energy and experience for members to come together and learn how to operate as a functional and effective team.
The first stage is forming or orientation. When the team first assembles, members feel uncertain and unclear about roles and responsibilities. The behaviors expressed by team members in this first stage are usually polite and cursory. The team members will try to assess the interest, needs and skills of the other members relative to their own interest, needs and skills. This first stage reflects a strong need and reliance on formal leadership. As team members experience confusion and anxiety, they look to whatever leadership already exists within the team. This stage may be smooth and agreeable or intense and wearisome. Team leaders can facilitate team members through the first stage by following these guidelines: Provide structure to the team by assigning and clarifying tasks/roes Encourage participation by all members Share all relevant information to the team members Encourage open and honest communication among team members
This next stage is very critical to the team because this is where the members produce as a cohesive unit. Functional relationships are explored and established by the members in spite of their differences. The team is working collaboratively to gain and share insight into the factors that contribute to or hinder their success. To best facilitate this stage, some guidelines are: Talk openly and honestly about team issues and the members’ concerns Encourage feedback Assign tasks for consensus decision making
This stage is the payoff for working through the first three stages. The members have learned to work together in a fully functioning team. Members now have the skills to define tasks, work out relationships, manage conflict, and work towards producing results. This should be the most productive stage of the team’s life. The members are committed the team and its goals. Guidelines for this stage are: Jointly set goals that are challenging and accepted to all members Continue to look for ways to promote the team’s chances to excel Keep an ongoing assessment of the team Acknowledge each member’s contribution Develop members to their fullest potential
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