Team-working
The business dictionary (2007) defines teamwork as the process of working collaboratively with a group of people, in order to achieve a goal.
The most successful team I have been in was the tag rugby team at school. It was made up of all girls with the same goal in mind, winning matches. At first the members of the team had to get to know each other and begin to trust each other, just like the forming stage in Tuckman’s model. Fortunately as we were still at school, we had a dedicated leader whom was an ex Wasp’s player, so there were no disagreements as Tuckman suggests at the storming stage. Mullins (2010) describes a team role as a pattern of behaviour, characteristic of the way in which one team members interacts with another whose performance facilitates the progress of the team as a whole. Similar to Belbin’s team roles, we were assigned roles (positions) suited to our skills so the team would work effectively to win matches, then we trained weekly to ensure we were ready for any upcoming matches. As a team we worked hard to win all of our matches, and were put forward to compete at the Thames Valley Youth Games. After a lot of hard work and dedication we were at our most effective and we won the Thames Valley Youth Games, this reflects Tuckman’s performing stage. The success would not have come without effective teamwork and hard work. After we had won the competition, the task had come to an end, and we went our separate ways, similar to the ‘adjourning stage’ in Tuckman’s model. In reflection, our passion and team work were most important in aiding our success, furthermore it was essential that each team member was working towards the same objective to reduce conflict and improve motivation, as this was the case we were able to beat the competition and be at our most effective. Tuckman’s model reflects the stages we went through as a group to achieve and complete the tasks ahead of us.
Bruce Tuckman developed a team working model in 1965; it identifies five stages of group development and relationships. These are: forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning. Mullins (2010)
Forming: This is the first stage where the members of the team start getting to know each other and committing to the achievement of the task. (Team building solutions, 2009) Individual team roles and leadership would also be worked out at this stage.
Storming: Disagreements will be expressed at this point, normally on the nature of the task and leadership patterns, this may lead to conflict. Mullins (2010)
Norming: Agreement is reached on how the group operates at this point. (Wilderdom, 2004)
Performing: At this stage the purpose of the task and performance are the common task and the team are most effective at this point. Mullins (2010)
Adjourning: This is where the task comes to an end and the members go their separate ways.
Tuckman’s model suggests that groups go through different stages; these stages can aid or hinder their success. If they are able to resolve conflict early and a leader emerges to guide the group through the following stages, it is likely they will meet their goals/objectives. In my opinion Tuckman’s model relates to the norm of any group process.
For assignment one, in the people and organisations module, we were asked to get into groups of three or four to create a PowerPoint presentation and follow this up with a report on the subject of motivation or culture.
The forming stage was where two other members of the class and I decided to form a group, as a group we decided on the subject of motivation as we believed this would work to our strengths. We also divided the assignment into sections and shared them evenly between us.
In my own personal view, the group, I was part of, worked well together, although there were disagreements at times throughout the whole process. I personally believe this conflict was due to differences in our personality as member 2 and I were fighting for the leader position in the group. This links to the storming stage in Tuckman’s model as this is the point where disagreements are expressed and challenges offered. Mullins (2010)
Even though this was the case, we managed to put aside our differences and complete a piece of work which I was very happy with, and gained the best mark I have achieved in the year so far. It is clear that as a group we went into the norming stage as conflict and hostility started to be controlled and we all developed our own norms of behaviour. Mullins (2010) In my opinion, as we were able to pass through the norming stage successfully, it led the team to perform. “This only occurs once the group has settled and is more predictable and when rules of behaviour have been agreed.” Team building solutions (2009) after this had happened we were able to trust each other. “The evidence is that people who trust one another can work together productively and effectively.” (Dyer, 1995, pg.22) and as a result of this we were able to work together to complete the task to a high standard.
Once the task was completed we entered the adjourning stage where we all went our separate ways.
Human beings on the whole work better in groups, they respond to the stimulation of feedback on their achievements, and there are synergies in terms of improved ideas and methods of working to be gained from having people in work teams. (Foot & Hook, 2008, Pg.78)
In conclusion I believe the success of the task was down to us being able to work through the conflict at the beginning of the task successfully which led us to trust each other; reflecting the storming and norming stage of Tuckman’s model. As a result we were able to work together effectively and gain a high grade in the assignment.
Team work is seen as an essential part in many organisations of helping to aid in their success. After reviewing the websites of companies in the ‘The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies’, the Sewell Group and Denplan are two of which think team work is extremely important.
The Sewell Group state one of their behaviours to be: “Be a Team Player - We get there as a team, not individuals. We look out for each other, support each other, challenge each other.” This quote was taken straight from the Sewell group website and is an example that teamwork is one of the major contributory factors within their organisation.
A second example of a company which sees team work as a major contributory factor within their organisation and very important is Denplan. One of their values is: Team player - Demonstrates a willingness to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others for the overall benefit of Denplan. This is another example of teamwork being an important behaviour within any organisation.
In conclusion teamwork is an essential part of any organisation to give us a sense of belonging. As a result employees feel more motivated and their key skills are improved through learning from others. It is clear that teamwork in any situation brings people together and success comes from people working coherently towards the same goal. Tuckman’s model is a good example of the stages groups go through in any team situation and what must be overcome for them to be successful and achieve. The success I have had personally would not have happened without effective teamwork and the whole team working towards the same objective. In my opinion team work helps you improve on your weaknesses and share your strengths with others as well as support each other to reach the goal.
Denplan [online] Available from: http://www.denplan.co.uk/about-us/careers/working-at-denplan.aspx [Accessed 17/4/2011]
Dyer, WG. (1995) Team building. 3rd ed. USA: Addison-Wesley publishing company.
Foot, M & Hook, C. (2008) Introducing human resource management. 5th ed. Essex: Pearson education limited.
Mullins, LJ. (2010) Management and organisational behaviour. 9th ed. Essex: Pearson education limited.
Sewell Group [online] Available from: http://www.sewell-group.co.uk/people-vision.php [Accessed 17/4/2011]
Team Building Solutions (2009) [online] Available from: http://www.teambuildingsolutions.co.uk/Default.aspx?pagename=Tuckmans-Theory-of-Group-Development-Forming-Storming-Norming-Performing[Accessed 01/02/2011]
Wilderdom (2004) [online] Available from: http://wilderdom.com/group/StagesGroupDevelopment.html [Accessed from 01/02/2011]
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