Team+Dynamics

Team Dynamics....... POSTED to Melissa's wiki

Provide insight into what you've learned based on your experience within this design team..... hey all- I tried to sort these a bit into topics--thought it might make it easier for submitting and Michelle giving it her final check;)


 * 1.** **Team Purpose & Goals**
 * Establish the attainable/achievable, measurable, and realistic goals for teams with reasonable time frame.
 * Shared belief in the value of, and accountability towards, team members.
 * The project is put first before individual wants and desires -understanding why we are doing something is key
 * Obtaining agreement on schedules/timelines upfront allows for the process to be smoother


 * 2.** **Member Empowerment and Roles**
 * Team can be very structured or very flexible however it based on the dynamics of the individuals participating.
 * Become acquainted with and aware of the value of the individual's own role and accountability in making contributions.
 * Trust and recognition of the value of other team members.
 * Clear expectations or deadlines for tasks (looking at our timeline more regularly may be helpful)
 * Recognize each other's strengths, experience/background, and allow people to explore other tasks of interest to them.
 * Ask for other's assistance in an area where you are weak and they are strong.
 * Allow members to contribute in their own way. Some of us talk a lot in group discussions while others are quieter. Some of us are great at seeking out resources and sharing with the group. Some of us are inclined to plan, while others are more concerned about the doing.
 * Understanding each others likes and dislikes can prove to be an effective way of assigning work. Individuals are more likely to work on areas they feel comfortable with and like.
 * Setting team roles may not be as necessary as knowing who is doing what, when, and how.


 * 3**. **Member** **Relationships and Communication**
 * It is important to be honest about what you think and share that with the group.
 * **Respect** is key. Respect and acknowledge that others have a life beyond the project. Sometimes life can get in the way of the project.
 * It's O.K. to disagree with group members. It is necessary to listen what they are saying and be non-defensive in making a team determination on how to proceed. Cooperation and understanding is necessary.
 * Desire to work collaboratively, sharing thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Recognizing that "cursor wars" will happen in such a collaborative team environment.
 * Supporting each other in recognition that the team's success requires all members' contribution and knowledge.
 * Facilitator/Steward streamlines workflow and encourages team members.
 * Listening to ideas and advice from other team members.
 * Coaching junior members rather than lecturing them.
 * Making time to communicate with other team members.
 * It's important to listen to each other and ask questions to clarify understanding.
 * Stay in touch--use email or collaborative docs to keep everyone on the same page


 * 4. Team Morale and Performance**
 * Friendship - enjoying working together with a common purpose.
 * Go with the flow- Team members often bring up new ideas or new ways of doing something. We need to be open to changes and go with the flow accordingly.
 * Give and Take- A good team member picks up where someone left off. In our group we are all believers in our idea. We see an area that is lacking and instead of complaining that someone didn't do their job--we pick up where they left off. It has worked out that we've got a really good dynamic in this respect. We cover each other because we know that person will do the same for us at some point.
 * Encourage creativity and productivity.
 * Smile. It’s contagious.


 * 5. Team Rewards and Recognition**
 * Regularly celebrate, and share with others, team successes.
 * Regularly recognizing team members' contributions and accomplishments (verbally and/or written).