Manage the Team Task
Small Group Dynamics and Team Building
Getting
work done in teams requires managing both the task and process. The task is what we
do. The process is how we do it. Some of the task related functions include:
A
commonly accepted mission and definition. One way any member of the team
can assist the team in its effectiveness is to ask “How does that idea or issue
assist us in performing our mission?” and then re-state the mission.
Time
management. Most teams have deadlines to meet. Keeping track of time
and reminding each other of the overall timing is an important task. Keeping track
of meeting times is also.
Resource
acquisition and management. The person / people able to obtain resources
for the group make a valuable contribution to task achievement.
Work
distribution. This is important because team members would like to think
the work is fairly shared. Because effective teams also share in the rewards, unfair
allocation of work will affect the team in a negative way.
Other
task functions include progress checks, initiating new directions, suggesting innovations,
deciding direction, clarifying and elaborating options (on paper or on a board so every
one can see them), seeking opinions-information (so everyone is contributing) and
consensus testing.