In this assignment, you will learn about team building and why it is an important skill for managers and leaders.
Identify two groups you belong to or have belonged to; the groups can be personal or work-related.
Based on your observations of how the groups function and the interactions among the groups' members, answers to the following questions:
What was the composition of each group?
What types of groups were they?
Were the values and mission of the group apparent? How?
Were the operational objectives or mission of the group supported by the individuals? How?
What were the attitudes of individual members to being a part of a group? Were they committed and compliant? Were they resistant?
Was there a leader and was the leader effective? What made the leader effective or ineffective?
cite your sources using APA format.
Title: The Power of Team Building: Observations and Insights
Introduction:
Team building is a crucial skill for managers and leaders as it fosters collaboration, enhances productivity, and strengthens relationships among team members. By examining two different groups, both personal and work-related, this essay explores their composition, types, alignment with values and mission, individual commitment, and the effectiveness of leadership.
Group 1: Personal Book Club
Composition: The personal book club consisted of friends with diverse backgrounds, professions, and interests. Members ranged from avid readers to occasional readers, creating a varied knowledge base.
Type of Group: The personal book club was an informal, interest-based group aimed at fostering intellectual discussions and promoting a love for reading.
Values and Mission Alignment: The values and mission of the book club were apparent through the shared passion for literature, intellectual growth, and creating a supportive space for exchanging ideas. The group aimed to expand perspectives and promote lifelong learning.
Support for Operational Objectives: Individual members actively supported the operational objectives by preparing for discussions, sharing insights, and respecting the suggested reading schedule. The mission of intellectual growth was supported through engagement in meaningful conversations.
Attitudes of Individual Members: The members of the book club were committed and compliant, actively participating in discussions, sharing recommendations, and demonstrating enthusiasm for the chosen books. There was a sense of mutual respect and willingness to learn from each other's perspectives.
Leadership Effectiveness: The book club did not have a designated leader. Instead, leadership responsibilities were shared among members on a rotating basis. This approach allowed everyone to contribute equally, resulting in a democratic and inclusive environment where all voices were heard.
Group 2: Work Project Team
Composition: The work project team consisted of professionals from different departments within the organization. The team included individuals with diverse skills, expertise, and levels of experience.
Type of Group: The work project team was a formal, task-oriented group established to achieve specific project goals within a limited timeframe.
Values and Mission Alignment: The values and mission of the team were evident through the shared commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes, effective collaboration, and meeting project objectives. The mission was reinforced through regular team meetings and clear communication channels.
Support for Operational Objectives: Individual members supported the operational objectives by actively contributing their expertise, collaborating with team members, meeting deadlines, and maintaining open lines of communication. They demonstrated a collective commitment to achieving project success.
Attitudes of Individual Members: The attitudes of individual members varied within the work project team. Some were highly committed and compliant, displaying a proactive approach to problem-solving and driving progress. However, a few individuals exhibited resistance or reluctance to adapt to changes or collaborate effectively.
Leadership Effectiveness: The work project team had a designated leader who played a pivotal role in coordinating activities, delegating tasks, and ensuring alignment with project goals. The leader was effective in providing clear directions, fostering open communication, addressing conflicts promptly, and motivating team members towards success. Their ability to inspire trust and create a supportive work environment contributed to the team's overall productivity.
Conclusion:
Observing the dynamics of personal and work-related groups provides valuable insights into the importance of team building. In both cases, when the composition was diverse yet aligned with shared values and mission, and when effective leadership was present, the groups achieved their objectives successfully. The willingness of individual members to actively participate and support operational objectives played a crucial role in achieving desired outcomes.
Sources:
Hackman, J.R. (2002). Leading Teams: Setting the Stage for Great Performances. Harvard Business School Press.
Katzenbach, J.R., & Smith, D.K. (1992). Why Teams Matter. McKinsey Quarterly.
Lencioni, P. (2002). The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable. Jossey-Bass.
Tuckman, B.W., & Jensen, M.A.C. (1977). Stages of Small-Group Development Revisited. Group & Organization Studies.
Warrick, D.D. (2017). Leadership Secrets of Hillary Clinton. Routledge.
Wheelan, S.A. (2009). Creating Effective Teams: A Guide for Members and Leaders. SAGE Publications.