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Student 1 – Teams

Teams

Definition

McShane and Von Glinow state that teams consist of grouping together two or more individuals to impact one another jointly, hold each other accountable for organizational goal achievement and are distinguished as collective beings under the umbrella of the organization (2015).

Summary 

     In the article titled “6 Ways Successful Teams are Built to Last, Glenn Llopis (2012) provides tips to individuals in management. The article suggests that self-awareness, knowing your team, defining roles and responsibilities, providing feedback, rewarding and reflection are the key elements to building a successful team. Llopis uses the successes of John Wooden in the sports arena to show that his team building skills lead to UCLA’s success (2012). In the business arena, Llopis discusses the successes of Jack Welsh, who helped General Electric flourish during his employment with the company. In both cases, there was progression due to great teamwork, as a result of great leadership.

Discussion

     Teams are only as great as their leaders. Historically, only leaders who possess special skills and abilities are successful in achieving greatness within the business arena (Llopis, 2012). Building a team is about managing personalities, not necessarily people (Llopis, 2012). Building a high performing team requires talent and discipline (Llopis, 2012).

     Every member of the team possess unique talents that plays a role in achieving the company’s success (Kelchner, 2016). “I alone am not able to carry all this people, because it is too burdensome for me” (Numbers 11:14, NLT). Even in biblical times this was recognized. The load is much lighter when multiple beings are working towards one common goal. “Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). There is accountability when employees work together (Kokemuller, 2016). Employees can fill in the gaps, when their teammates fall short.

     There are both advantages and disadvantages to working in teams. Teams are beneficial due to the collaboration, yet at a disadvantage because the individualism is lost (Kokemuller, 2016). The collaboration of diverse cultures and backgrounds usually yields better ideas, solutions, quality and production (Kokemuller, 2016). On the contrary, too much interaction amongst individuals could yield conflict due to a difference in opinion and competitiveness (Kokemuller, 2016). However, having a leader that acknowledges the differences in its team members and rewarding for individual contributions could counteract these problems and yield great success.

     Do you believe there are advantages or disadvantages to working in teams? Do you believe that team driven organizations are more successful than others? Is individual talent lost or left unrecognized in team environments? Do you believe Llopis’ six suggestions are successful in building teams? What do you believe is the key to building a successful team? I believe that working in an organization that is structured fully on teamwork, creates unused creativity and allows gifts and talents to go unrecognized. Therefore, I believe that organizations should develop a mixed environment. Such an environment would encourage both teamwork and individualism and individuals would be recognized for their individual performance.

References

Kelchner, Luanne. (2016) Chronicles. What Is an Effective Team in an Organization? Retrieved from: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/effective-team-organization-22984.html

Kokemuller, Neil. (2016). Chronicles. The Advantages & Disadvantages of Teams in the Workplace. Retrieved from: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-teams-workplace-21669.html

Llopis, Glenn. (October 2012). Forbes. 6 ways successful teams are built to last. Retrieved from:http://www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2012/10/01/6-ways-successful-teams-are-built-to-last/#35490f73268d

McShane, S., & Von Glinow, M. (2015). Organizational behavior (7th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill