July 30th, 2008
The level in which the members
of your team interact determine the image it portrays to the audience
around it.
Watching members in another
group is always an interesting endeavour, regardless of impression or
perception of that group. Seeing the conflicts between members or the
awe-inspiring connectivity that exists are just some of the ways that
teams invoke these weird impressions on people.
But what does make a team
unique? What type of dynamics does the team display? Here are a few
classifications of teams you'll find in all facets of life:
Brady Bunch:
Everyone in the team appears to bond so well together on the outside
with a fake sense of cohesion and contentment. Think of it as a Celebrity
Troupe, putting on a smiling face for the cameras as their soul weeps
on the inside.
Totally Into It:
Every member showcases a strong sense of productivity and eagerness
to get the job done. It flows like clockwork as members communicate
effectively and offer support when times get tough. They see eye-to-eye
and put the needs of their team first before their own.
Isolated Performer:
Only one or two people perform the majority of the work and take most
of the initiative to get the job done while the rest are there simply
for the ride.
Road Wreck:
A group that has no clear cohesion, flooded with conflicts and wastes
resources to patch relations rather than aid the completion of the task
at hand. The only thing that gets accomplished is the creation of grudges
and internal strife, leading to the total failure of its original purpose.
Slow Starters:
This team takes a bit longer to sort itself out, often patching issues
before working on a concensus of roles, mission and how to accomplish
the task. Once it gets going, however, it's usually very hard to halt
its progress and momentum.
Drama King/Queen:
The entire team is dependent on one person who pulls the political strings
amongst the members of the team. If something doesn't go their way,
or if they do not totally agree with where the team is going, they'll
do whatever they can to divert attention to themselves and use the group
to fulfill their own personal needs and objectives.
Cold Fusion:
A group of such high cohesion that the dismantling of this team is nearly
impossible, posing a threat to productivity and morale should the members
be split up. They've come to know one another so well that they inherently
function as one, working together as though they were one giant, sentient
being.
Teams have a vast array
of dynamics that demonstrate that no two teams are identical, no matter
how hard you try to make them appear to be otherwise.
If you're a part of a team
or witness a team performing at another institution, pay attention to
how they function. You'll be amazed at how blatant some teams function,
either similar to or different from yours.
Also, you'll be more aware
as to your own reaction of how the team functions and realize that this
might be how people feel when they see your team in action.
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