It often happens that you work in a team. Not only during your work, but also at associations, for example. You may not always get along well with all team members. People often have different reasons for this. The following article can help you build better collaboration and understand your team member better.
Team
A team is a group of people that perform a specific task together. Usually a team has a leader, but this is not necessary.
Conditions for working in a team
Working in a team makes sense if the following conditions are met:
- If the task cannot be completed by one person, in terms of time.
- If the task requires different competencies that that person does not have.
- When knowledge is needed from different perspectives.
- If everyone is willing to put energy into coordinating one task together.
In short, everyone must be able to be dependent and coordinate their activities.
Team roles
A team therefore contains different people who can fulfill different roles, including:
Leader
A leader is someone who is in charge of everything. This is often the chairman. The leader structures the work and delegates tasks. The leader often has an overview of the whole and is important in the team.
Warner
A warner is someone who keeps a close eye on the quality of the product and gives his/her opinion about it. The warner often keeps an eye on the risks and is happy to ensure that the work process runs smoothly.
Decision maker
A decision maker is someone who makes decisions. This is often also the chairman. The decision maker is often someone who has a lot of influence, such as a high position or a lot of money, and therefore has the power to make a decision.
Representative
A representative is also seen as a spokesperson. The representative is someone with a network in which the product can be sold. He/she switches quickly and can motivate others well.
Mediator
A mediator is there to maintain an optimal group atmosphere and improve cooperation (if necessary). The mediator is often an optimistic person who, like the representative, can motivate well. The difference between these people, however, is that the representative often focuses on the product, while the mediator focuses on the process.
Atmosphere maker
A mood maker is a tactol person who provides the necessary fun and jokes from time to time. The atmosphere creator is not only focused on the work, but also on the person outside the team.
Researcher
A researcher is a person with a lot of energy who likes to take the initiative. Brainstorming is a typical skill that the researcher often uses to complete the work. The researcher can often motivate people to network and trace the source.
Cleaner
A declutterer focuses on clarity and structure. Things are often tackled step by step to maintain an overview.
Daredevil
A daredevil is someone with ambition who certainly dares to try things. The daredevil often needs tension to be able to work properly. The daredevil does not avoid risks.
Of course, there are more roles to consider and everyone is needed within a team.
Learning styles
In addition to the different roles you can take on, everyone naturally has their own way of working and learning. Everyone has their own learning style.
- Dreamers are good at coming up with solutions and alternatives.
- Thinkers are good at logically justifying certain choices.
- Decision makers usually know immediately whether something is feasible in practice or not.
- Doers want to try everything. Preferably ideas from others.
Job description
If you are asked to join a team, make sure you have certain things in mind. For example, make sure you know what your assignment is. Check whether this is feasible and find out why you have been asked for this assignment. It is also nice to know which role you should fulfill within the team (see team roles) and what you are and are not allowed to do. Finally, it is of course important to get to know your team members and to know who the leader is.
problem analysis
Improving collaboration on a problem:
- Ensure an objective observation and record this in a report.
- Present the observations to the team and ask for a response.
- Ask questions and summarize the problem.
- Find out which category the cause is in:
- Goals, acceptance of team members, developments, division of tasks and roles, communication, discipline/keeping agreements, leadership,.
- Discuss what is needed to eliminate the cause.
- Make SMART agreements about this and place responsibility on the entire team.