like a pro
BENEFITS OF TEAM BUILDING
By Joel S . Hughes , M . Ed .
If you want to improve self-development , communication and leadership skills while also understanding how to problem-solve as a unit , it ’ s time to focus on team building . While it takes time , effort and a high level of commitment from each individual involved , a successful team-building session boosts productivity and enhances other positives , too .
What Is Team Building ?
Work environments regularly involve individuals tackling job tasks and personal goals , with recognition usually focused on the individual employee . Groups that function as teams evolve into cohesive units that share expectations , build trust and where members support one another . By honing team building skills , employees can unite around a common goal , which generates greater productivity for the company .
Why Is Team Building Important ?
Depending on the industry and occupation , fostering and growing relationships among the individuals you work with can be one of the best investments you make . Research shows that team building does produce engaged employees , which increases the bottom line . Engaged employees find ways to energize , initiate and creatively push the success of the company forward .
Team-Building Skills for Success :
• Communication
• Identified Personality Type ( learned by way of assessment to understand yourself and how you fit within the team )
• Cultural Competence
• Emotional Intelligence
• Critical Thinking
• Listening
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
Team-Building Methods
A resource we use in teambuilding training is Tuckman ’ s Model of Group Development , developed by Dr . Bruce Tuckman and published in 1965 :
STAGE 1 FORM
STAGE 2 STORM
STAGE 3 NORM
STAGE 4 PERFORM
This is teambuilding infancy . Like an infant , the group members are self-centered and say things either externally or internally .
This is teambuilding adolescence . There are challenges to authority and coworkers , boundaries are pushed and members are seeking acceptance .
This is young adulthood . It is marked by a move away from task orientation and the group members begin to focus on “ we ” rather than “ I .”
This is teambuilding adulthood . The group is now a team working in a high-productivity , high-functioning mode .
Tuckman ’ s Model is especially helpful for those seeking to better understand why their team may be struggling . During our teambuilding trainings , we discuss the importance of each stage and how a team can progress from one stage to the next .
TO THE POINT :
“ Coming together is a beginning ; keeping together is progress ; working together is success .” - Henry Ford
Joel S . Hughes , M . Ed .
Training Program Manager and Instructor at Troy University Continuing Education & Outreach
56 CentrAL Inc !