In the 1960’s Bruce Tuckman developed his Team Development Model, which is still widely relied upon today.
The Model explains the various stages (Forming, Storming, Norming) a team experiences before reaching that point where they are Performing as an effective unit – the team is functioning as a unit to get the work done smoothly and effectively without inappropriate conflict. The path to achieving the level of cohesiveness desired is often one requiring significant support and guidance from the team leader or manager.
“The task of the leader is to get their people from where they are to where they have not been.” Henry Kissinger
So, what can the Team Leader do to ensure that the team reaches the Performing stage of team development. In our experience, the following are crucial to the creation (and maintenance) of a cohesive team unit:
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Setting clear standards (of behaviour and expectations), with input from the team
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Establishing team goals, with specific checkpoints
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Understanding the strengths of individuals within the team
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Creating a culture of trust and feeling of belonging for all team members
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Providing a ‘safe’ environment for innovation
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Defining (and rewarding) success in terms of the whole team
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Understanding group dynamics (and being able to work with them)
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Building a sense of fun for the team (and creating opportunities for ‘non-work’ interaction)
These components align with John Adair’s Action Centred Leadership Model, which highlights the three core management responsibilities of:
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Achieving the Task
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Managing the Team
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Managing Individuals within the Team
At Coach & Co., we recognise that the task of building Effective Teams is often easier said than done, and that Managers often require significant support to assist their team reach the ‘Performing’ stage. There are three ways in which we provide this support:
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Individual coaching of the manager - to develop and deliver strategies for team effectiveness
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Team coaching - to set clear standards, establish team goals and ensure checkpoints are reached
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Team Alignment Program – to strengthen team unity and create awareness of different personality and communication styles whilst encouraging greater flexibility and adaptability when communicating with other team members
For more information about Building Effective Teams, please contact Simon Altschwager on 1300 788 678 or simon@coachandco.com.au, or refer to our website at www.coachandco.com.au.
