Team Creation

Introduction

The institution and development of teams has become a focus by its managers due to its potential of increasing productive capacity collaboration and cooperation in the organization . However , there is also a realization that accomplishing such an objective requires management and development skills that are equally sensitive to the individual members and the developed group identity . This in turn involves the proper selection of group or team members , alignment to collective objective and individual participation and involvements of members in the team efforts . According to Ancona and Bresman (2007

there is greater regard for teams to enhance function and performance this is based on the belief that teams create platforms for synergy . In a similar manner , Sawyer (2008 ) points out that the ability of managers and other organization leaders to access team potential and long-term feasibility of the organization , its members and even its external stakeholders

Membership and Organization

In the illustration provided for by Ancona and Bresman (2007 ) in their delineation of team elements , they point out that team member selection consists of the identification of various roles or positions , including functional , managerial and supportive ones , and matching prospective members ' skills and organizational roles to team membership requirements . According to Stowell and Mead (2007 , it is pre-requisite prior to the composition of the team to identify strategic objectives time frames , stakeholders and probable outcomes . They point out that this will serve as a base of reference for teams when they come into operation as well as create a point of validation for the development or organization of future teams

A number of approaches have been utilized in team member selection , the criteria for the approach is most often dependent on the objective requirements and skills requirement . Lencioni (2005 ) points out however that a purely functional approach in team selection creates relational vulnerabilities and limits the perspectives of the team . Thus , many contemporary studies and research on team organization have shifted from this perspective to propose a collaborative approach to team member selection . This implies that team members should not just consist of individuals who perform the functions of the team but also the inclusion of managers , leaders or motivators and external specialists for holism

Team Building Strategies

Sawyer (2008 ) places great emphasis on team building strategies . He believes that in doing so even teams that were not initiated properly or had limited success can be engineered to increase their competencies potential and productivity . Furthermore , the suggestion is that team building strategies are not limited to professional or technical development there should be equal , if not greater emphasis on developing trust , cooperation and collaboration among team members . This opinion is also reflected in Lencioni (2005 : they suggest the institution of dialogue , enhancing trust , commitment and accountability among members of the team to other tem members and to the team itself

These can be implemented through the development of team workshops group discussions , institution of open communication systems and designing team roadmaps , objectives , strategies and support systems collaboratively . Stowell and...