TEAM FORMATION AND FUNCTIONING

1.	Task/Goal interdependence
2.	Structure (team member roles, ground rules)
3.	Interpersonal process   communication problem solving decision making leadership conflict management
4.	Nonsummativity Team � � Individuals (+) nonsummativity = synergy = what team accomplishes is greater than what individuals accomplish alone and later pull together (-) nonsummativity = team < � Individuals (due to poor communication, conflict, etc.)
5.	Dynamic (cycles of good times and bad times)

Stages of team development:
1.	Forming: Members cautiously explore the boundaries of acceptable group behavior. transition from individual to member status testing the leader's guidance
2.	Storming: Arguing about what actions the team should take. The team members try to rely solely on their personal & professional experience, resisting any need for collaborating with other team members. disunity, increased tension, jealousy beginning to understand one another
3.	Norming: Accept the team; team ground rules (norms), roles in the team, and individuality of fellow members more friendliness a sense of team, cohesion, common spirit establishing & maintaining team ground rules and boundaries
4.	Performing: Diagnosing and solving problems, and choosing and implementing changes constructive self-change close attachment to the team

Team Roles:

    There are three commonly described team roles:

	Team leader
	Facilitator
	Team member

Team Leader:

guides and manages the team: schedules meetings, arrange for rooms, etc. facilitates meetings orchestrates all team activities communicates with management about team's progress and needs share responsibilities as a team member

Facilitator (coach, advisor):

	expert in group dynamics, problem solving, or running meetings, or helping teams
	provides training as needed
	helps team resolve conflicts
	coaches team members (if necessary also the team leader) on team skills
	helps the the team use problem solving tools
	leads team meetings when the team leader is in difficulty in doing so.

Team member:

Any member of the team should: focus on the team's mission and objectives communicate clearly respect team's ground rules respect teammates participate fully carry out his/her assignment between meetings

Two dimensions of team functioning:

Task (content) � Productivity/Goal accomplishment

	Social (maintenance) � Morale
	Curvilinear relationship

Three types of team behaviors:

	Task/Content
	Social/Maintenance
	Self/Dysfunctional

Ingredients for team success:

	Clarity in team goals and member roles
	Clear, open communication
	Balanced participation
	Beneficial team behaviors
	Well-defined decision procedures
	Established ground rules
	Awareness of the group process
	An improvement plan
	Use of scientific approach

Suggested further reading: The Team Memory Jogger, The Team Handbook

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