Team Dynamics

Team Dynamics Tuckman Team Development Model Practical Considerations Hints for Working in TeamsTuckman Team Development Model Four stages to high performance Forming Storming Norming Performing Two areas of personal development Personal relationships Task functions© 2009 CIS1© 2009 CIS3Stages of Team DevelopmentForming Each stage is needed Each stage builds on the previous stage Skipping a step negatively affects teamperformance For each major new challenge orchange, the process repeats Establishing base level expectations forthe work to be done Agreeing on common goals Making contact - getting to know eachother “Why are we here?”© 2009 CIS4© 2009 CIS5

FormingcontinuedStorming Typical of this stage milling around, confusion, impersonal, polite/ superficial Action steps set goals establish roles identify team members team member introductions set initial ground rules Expressing differences of ideas,feelings, opinions Reacting to leadership Team members are independent,not working together© 2009 CIS6© 2009 CIS7StormingcontinuedNorming Typical of this stage frustration, attacking, conflict, cliques,feeling stuck Action steps listen to each other spend time together work actively to set a supportiveenvironment build trust by honoring commitments Developing team patterns thatwork Cohesion beginning Establish procedures Giving constructive feedback Confronting issues© 2009 CIS8© 2009 CIS9

Normingcontinued Typical of this stage members agree about roles and processes forproblem solving decisions made through negotiation and consensusbuilding Action steps recognize and reinforce “synergy” behavior share rewards for successes constant communication share responsibility delegate freely within the team be selective of new team membersPerforming Team members feel very motivated High pride in the team “We” versus “I” orientation Individuals defer to team needs High trust High openness and support Little waste - very efficient teamoperations OK to risk confrontation Superior team performance© 2009 CIS10© 2009 CIS11Practical Considerations Identify team members Match in availability for team meetings geographic location grade goals/expectations personality styles get to know your team members Good mix of experience and skillsrelevant to the projectPractical Considerations Establish team decision makingrules consensus majority vote how do you break a tie vote? Establish team structure Assigned roles vs ad hoc taskperformance responsibilities of roles?continued© 2009 CIS12© 2009 CIS13

Practical ConsiderationscontinuedPractical Considerationscontinued Establish team operating procedures When / where will team meetings beheld Team communications Record and distribute discussions anddecisions from team meetings Managing the project plan andmaintaining the project workbook Establish team ground rules Examples Individual assignments must be completed beforethe team meeting at which they will be discussed. Attendance at meetings is mandatory. If absenceis unavoidable, individual assignments must becompleted and delivered to the team before theteam meeting. etc ...1415© 2009 CIS© 2009 CISHints for working in teams Respect the time and talents of your teammembersBe on timeBe preparedBe helpful when you have to criticize a team member’s work Conduct well managed meetingsDistribute an agenda ahead of timeTake minutes: record key points of discussions and all actionitems. Distribute these promptly to all team members Do not expect to do all the tasks in the teammeetingWork independently and in parallel on different parts of theprojectUse team meetings to coordinate, review and integrate thework© 2009 CIS16