The document outlines common problems with teamwork, including groups operating as a loose federation of members focused on individual tasks rather than shared goals, inadequate problem-solving without discussion or defining problems clearly, and not questioning the group's performance. It then provides suggestions for achieving success such as strong leadership, determining group goals and norms, holding members accountable, and ensuring all voices are heard. Finally, it lists potential traps to avoid when problem-solving as a group, such as focusing on symptoms not problems, and not fully committing to or supporting decisions.

1. The main problem!
Teamwork

2. Common problems
• Groups operating as a ‘federation’
• Inadequate problem-solving
• Not questioning the performance of the
group

3. Groups operating as a
‘federation’
• Members focus on their individual task
rather than being committed to the shared
objective.
• This results in forming a loose group of
unintegrated members.

4. Inadequate problem-solving
• No discussion, creativity and sharing ideas on group-
task related questions, therefore no synergie.
• No clear definition of the problem from group
perspective resulting in jumping to sub-optimal
conclusions.
• Group-discussion turns into a vehicle for labour
division resulting in group members losing the overall
picture.

5. Not questioning the
performance of the group
• No communication on performance of the
team as a group.
• Lack of assertiveness and evaluation skills.
• No evaluation of group norms, individual
roles and decision-making.

6. How to achieve success
• Strong and accepted leadership.
• Determine group goals and norms.
• Commit individuals to goals and norms (contract?)
• Hold members accountable for their effort.
• Focus on group results rather than individual
results.
• Make sure that all voices are heard, use consensus.

7. How to improve
performance?
Research objective Research discussion
Evaluate Research questions
Integration into
group deliverable Coach Task allocation
Discuss individual work Task discussion
Collecting individual work

8. Final word on decision-
making
Steps Traps
Identifying and Focus on symptoms, not problems.
diagnosing problem Assuming knowledge of causes and solutions.
Generating Seizing first suggestion, not evaluation range of options.
alternatives Discard ideas before fully understanding them.
Over-reliance on opinions, not facts.
Evaluating options Reporting data and numbers without judgement.
Not searching integrative, multi-disciplinary solutions
Smoothing over disagreements.
Making decision
No consensus and/or full commitment from all members.
Not agreeing on who will do what by when.
Implementation
lack of implementation support from all members.