Teamwork 101

By Tracy L. Chenoweth

How would you define

teamwork?
Type your answer in here!

06/07/15

What Exactly is Teamwork?

Teamwork is defined in Webster's New World
Dictionary as "a joint action by a group of people,
in which each person subordinates his or her
individual interests and opinions to the unity and
efficiency of the group."
This does not mean that the individual is no longer
important; however, it does mean that effective
and efficient teamwork goes beyond individual
accomplishments.
The most effective teamwork is produced when
all the individuals involved harmonize their
contributions and work towards a common goal.

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Characteristics of
Effective Teams
The following are eight characteristics of
effective teams the were identified by
Larson and LaFasto in their book titled
Teamwork: What Must Go Right/What
Can Go Wrong (Sage Publications 1989).

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#1
The team must have a clear goal.
Avoid fuzzy, motherhood statements. Team
goals should call for a specific performance
objective, expressed so concisely that
everyone knows when the objective has been
met.

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#2
The team must have a results-driven
structure.
The team should be allowed to operate in a
manner that produces results. It is often best
to allow the team to develop the structure.

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#3
The team must have competent team
members.
This can be take to mean that the problem
given to the team should be one that the
members can tackle given their level of
knowledge.

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#4
The team must have unified
commitment.
This doesn't mean that team members must
agree on everything. It means that all
individuals must be directing their efforts
towards the goal. If an individual's efforts is
going purely towards personal goals, then the
team will confront this and resolve the
problem.

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#5
The team must have a collaborative
climate.
It is a climate of trust produced by honest,
open, consistent and respectful behavior.
With this climate teams perform
well...without it, they

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#6
The team must have high standards that
are understood by all.
Team members must know what is expected
of them individually and collectively. Vague
statements such as "positive attitude" and
"demonstrated effort" are not good enough.

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#7
The team must receive external support
and encouragement.
Encouragement and praise works just as well
in motivating teams as it does with
individuals.

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#8
The team must have principled
leadership.
Teams usually need someone to lead the
effort. Team members must know that the
team leader has the position because they
have good leadership skills and are working
for the good of the team. The team members
will be less supportive if they feel that the
team leader is putting him/herself above the
team, achieving personal recognition or
otherwise benefiting from the position.
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Question to Ponder
Is there a difference between
working as a group and working as a
team?

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Did you know that Teams

Actually, Grow?
What do I mean by this term, Grow?
How many stages of growth would
you predict?
Can you name a few?

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Stages of Team Growth.

It is important for the team members to
know that teams don't just form
and immediately start working together
to accomplish great things.
There are actually stages of team growth
and teams must be given time to work
through the stages and become effective.
Team growth can be separated into four
stages.
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Stage #1- Forming

When a team is forming, members
cautiously explore the boundaries of
acceptable group behavior.
They search for their position within
the group and test the leader's
guidance. It is normal for little team
progress to occur during this stage.

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Stage #2- Storming

Storming is probably the most difficult
stage for the group. Members often
become impatient about the lack of
progress, but are still inexperienced with
working as a team.
Members may argue about the actions they
should take because they faced with ideas
that are unfamiliar to them and put them
outside their comfort zones.
Much of their energy is focused on each
other instead of achieving the goal.
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Stage #3- Norming

During this stage team members
accept the team and begin to
reconcile differences.
Emotional conflict is reduced as
relationships become more
cooperative.
The team is able to concentrate more
on their work and start to make
significant progress.
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Stage #4- Performing

By this stage the team members have
discovered and accepted each other's
strengths and weaknesses, and learned
what their roles are.
Members are open and trusting and many
good ideas are produced because they are
not afraid to offer ideas and suggestions.
They are comfortable using decision
making tools to evaluate the ideas,
prioritize tasks and solve problems. Much is
accomplished and team satisfaction and
loyalty is high.
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Do We Need Stage #5
What about when a group dissolves or
transforms into another team or group
dynamic?
We could call that Dissolving or
Transforming.

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Lets Watch this Clip

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Lets Play Ball

Divide the participants up into small groups of about 58 people.
Each group is in competition with the other groups in
the room. The group who can complete the most
"circuits" in a given time will be the winner.
A completed circuit occurs when every person in the
group has touched the tennis ball.
Only one person in the group can touch the tennis ball
at one time (therefore the ball must be tossed rather
than passed.)
If the ball ever touches the floor, then production must
stop for 30 seconds.
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We will need
Consensus on how the balls will be tossed
(direction, etc.)
Who is going to note the 30 second rule
Who is going to count the circuits

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Situations that will occur

Someone is on vacation
Someone is sick/injured but working
Someone is late
Someone is
mad/angry/upset/emotional
Production has been increased/busy
Someone is a semi-non-participant

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What did you learn?

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What
What
What
What

did
did
did
did

you
you
you
you

see?
hear?
expect?
learn?

26

Okay, Now What?

We have defined what teamwork is
We have listed the characteristics of
effective teams
We know the difference between groups
and team
We know that teams and teamwork forms
over time
So now what?
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NOW, lets get personal!!

On a scale of 1 5 (one being the
least) rate yourself on the following
skill sets.
1. Listening
6. Sharing
2. Questioning
7. Participating
3. Persuading
4. Respecting
Be as honest
5. Helping
as you can!
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Listening

Listening is a skill.
Listening and hearing are not the same
You are not born with listening skills
Listening incorporates more than your
ears

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It includes your body language

Your eyes
Your brain
Your facial expressions
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Listening Example
One of you is going to talk to me about
something and I am going to show you
what really is going on.
Lets have some fun
Sample
Talk
Talk
Talk
Talk

and what is going on in my head

and doing too much
and on the phone
and upset or emotional

What others have you noticed?

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Top 10 List
Most people spend roughly 70% of
their waking hours in some form of
verbal communication.
Yet, how many of us have ever had
any formal training in the art of
listening?
Here are ten things you can do to
improve your listening skills.
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1-6
1. Approach the listening experience from a
state of calmness. No agendas, no
predispositions, no expected outcomes, no
guessing what is next
2. Never rule out any topic of discussion as
uninteresting.
3. Accept the speaker's message
4. Listen for the whole message.
5. Don't get hung up on the speaker's delivery.
6. Avoid structured listening.
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7-10
7. Tune out distractions.
8. Be alert to your own prejudices.
9. Resist the temptation to rebut.
10. Take notes sparingly.

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Also Important
Eye contact Always direct your visual attention to the
person with whom you are conversing or listening.
Body language Always keep your body in attention. If
your body is slouched, your attention span may slack
and your listening skills may weaken.
Responses When asked, answer questions in complete
sentences.
Repetition Repeat specific comments said by the
person with whom you are conversing or listening.
Gentility Be kind. People appear to be good listeners
when they want to listen to others. If you look like
you're listening "just because," then your listening skills
will appear less than perfect.
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Communication is Key
Pencil and Paper Challenge
In groups of two
Need a pencil or pen
Need two pieces of paper

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What did you learn?

06/07/15

What
What
What
What

did you
did you
did you
did you

see?
hear?
expect?
learn?

36

Review of Key Points

On a scale of 1 5 (one being the
least) rate yourself on the following
skill sets.
1. Listening
6. Sharing
2. Questioning
7. Participating
3. Persuading
4. Respecting
Be as honest
5. Helping
as you can!
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R.E.S.P.E.C.T
Find out what it means to me?

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Respect and Behavioral Styles

Behavioral research suggests that about
three quarters of the people you work
with have a significantly different
approach to interpersonal interactions.

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Do you ever wonder why...

You get the reaction or response from
others that you do?
You have friction with someone though
you're both working for the same goals?
Some people get bogged down in detail
and can't see the big picture!?
Some people can only see the big picture
and have no patience for detail!?
Some people can't keep up with the pace
of change?
Others seem to thrive on creating change?
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Did you know?

Successful personal relationships often
depend on "getting off on the right foot".
Being able to quickly recognize a person's
behavioral style and interact
appropriately are critical to this process.

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Hippocrates
The Greek physician and philosopher
Hippocrates first recognized behavior
styles in 400 BC. He identified four basic types
of temperaments and linked
them with liquids in the body. Today, we know
that there is no link with bodily
fluids, but Hypocrites original concept of four
styles or temperaments has
remained. He called them Choleric, Sanguine,
Melancholy, and Phlegmatic.
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Choleric, Directive, Assertive,

Dominant, Controller
Directive people have high expectations of themselves and
others. They make quick decisions, are self-reliant, are
usually comfortable taking risks, and are
results oriented. However, these individuals can also be
competitive, determined, have lower active listening skills
and can crave power. Choleric people are often
seen as demanding and driven. This is the person that
rushes in with a big idea that he/she thinks should be
implemented right away.
Getting along with these folks requires that you:
ask specific questions;
be as direct as you can;
use goals and ends to get them on board;
dont interrupt; and
always deal with the fact, not the person.
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Melancholy, Analytic, Logical,

Compliant
Analytical people are those that examine the data and
prefer process and order. They are accurate, conscientious,
precise and deliberate. They may want additional time to
make decisions, are considered to have their emotions
under control, and may be hesitant to take risks. Logical
people are often seen as being obsessed with data, unable
to make a decision, and slow moving. This is the person who
has to have the chart just so before it is published, or
that corrects all your spelling and grammar mistakes. They
would probably have a map of where they are going before
leaving home for a new destination.
Getting along with these folks requires that you:
be prepared and know your facts;
use specific data in an analytical form;
use examples; and
allow time for processing and decision making.
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Sanguine, Creative, Persuader,

Expressive, Influential
The creative person is that motivating, energizing, outgoing
person who inspires us all. Other characteristics include
generous, influential, and socially confident. This individual
may be seen as dramatic, emotional, and impulsive.
Sanguine people are often seen as being eccentric and
overly dramatic. These folks consider the environment
around them and how things feel. Often, this is the
person who suggests that everyone wear a funny hat to work
for April Fools day.
Getting along with these folks requires that you:
spend time on the relationship,
use ideas that elicit an emotional response,
use incentives, and
request their opinion.

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Phlegmatic, Empathetic,
Stabilizer, Amiable, Steady
Empathetic people care about including everyone, they are
patient, supportive and considerate. These folks are easy
going and dependable and would just like everyone to get
along. They are often seen as deliberate, questioning, and
too concerned with others feelings. Phlegmatic people are
often seen as the softies of the office; caring about
others and considering how others might feel. These folks
care for the team and will ask for input from everyone.
They are often accused of caring too much and being too
touchy-feely.
Getting along with these folks requires that you:
show concern;
create a supportive environment;
request input and suggestions; and
ask a lot of questions

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F.A.C.T.S
We each have a combination of styles, some
stronger in one area than others.
The key to effective communication is being
aware of your own style and accommodating
others styles.
This accommodation can be uncomfortable and
take a lot of energy, but it is worth it when
improved communication is the result.

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Which One are You?

Choleric, Directive, Assertive, Dominant,
Controller
Melancholy, Analytic, Logical, Compliant
Sanguine, Creative, Persuader,
Expressive, Influential
Phlegmatic, Empathetic, Stabilizer,
Amiable, Steady

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Combination
Do you see yourself being a combination
of these 4 at times?
Can you be any one of these at any given
time?
Do situations/circumstances make a
difference?
Can you explain?

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Question to Ponder
Do you or have you worked with any of
these people?
Dont call out any names to keep from
embarrassing others

Office People

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What did you learn?

06/07/15

What
What
What
What

did
did
did
did

you
you
you
you

see?
hear?
expect?
learn?

51

Review of Key Points

On a scale of 1 5 (one being the
least) rate yourself on the following
skill sets.
1. Listening
6. Sharing
2. Questioning
7. Participating
3. Persuading
4. Respecting
Be as honest
5. Helping
as you can!
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It is not on the list, but

It is still very important
Be careful, your Attitude is showing!!

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F.A.C.T.S
Work has become more demanding on employees.
Employee-Employer Relationships have become
less hierarchical and more transactional.
Employees are moving away from long-term
relationships.
Employees have less confidence in long-term
rewards and have greater short-term
expectations.
Immediate supervisors are now the most
important people in the workplace.
Supervising employees requires more time and
skill on the part of managers.
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Why?
Has work become more demanding on employees?
Have employee-employer relationships have
become less hierarchical and more transactional?
Are employees are moving away from long-term
relationships?
Do employees have less confidence in long-term
rewards and have greater short-term
expectations?
Have immediate supervisors become the most
important people in the workplace?
Why is supervising employees requiring more time
and skill on the part of managers?
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We cant change Progress

But we can take steps to ensure that we
have healthy attitudes toward work and
our personal lives.

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Top 10 List
1. Think like you want to be It's tough to be happy, joyful,
successful, etc. if you don't think that you are a happy, joyful, and
successful person. Think it first, then do it!
2. Smile
There's no arguing with this one -- research has shown the smiling
has both psychological and physiological effects. So, put a smile
on your face and you'll be on your way to a change in attitude!
3. Immerse yourself
Read books, articles, magazines that help you understand and
adopt the new attitude. Watch films or listen to music that
inspires you and encourages you to change.
4. Change your actions
It's hard to change your attitude if you keep doing the same old
stuff the same old way. Do things differently to start thinking
differently.
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5. Change your environment- Make your environment

reflect the attitude you wish to have. Create the
physical space that makes you eager to change.
6. Follow the leader -Find someone who already has the
attitude you wish to have. Follow their lead, learn from
their example.
7. Help others (and help yourself)- One of the fastest
ways to change your attitude is to take the focus off
yourself and to help others in need.
8. Get a little help from your friends
Let everyone know what you're doing and enlist their
support to help you change and give you ideas. The
more you feel like you're part of a group effort, the
more likely you are to be successful.

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9. Get a pro- If the change you desire to make is

a big one or is extremely radical, consider
getting the help of a mentor, counselor, or
coach. These professionals can reduce the time
& frustration involved as well as provide you
with many new ideas to help you grow.
10. Be patient- Recognize that most changes
occur slowly, over an extended period of time.
If you don't get immediate results, don't be
surprised and DON'T QUIT! Keep working, it'll
come.
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Keep these things in mind

Everyone has a bad day
Everyone has a full plate
Everyone has problems, heartache,
happiness and great days
You are responsible to take good care
of yourself
You can make a difference, even if
ever so slight
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When in despair
When you are full of despair over a
particular situation in life on at work ask
yourself this question.
Would this problem be important enough
for the aliens to stop and take a look at.
(haha).

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Thank You
Question and Answer session

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