managing teams effectively

1. Knowledge of Team Dynamics :
Team dynamics are the unseen forces that operate in a team between different people or groups of
people. Dynamics
can strongly influence how a team reacts , behaves and performs. Sometimes the absence of a natural
force can also
be a team dynamic . i.e. if the manager leaves the then team , the group may change its behavior
Team Dynamics are recognized by looking for the forces that influence team behavior and performance.
These forces might include : personality style of members and leader ( i.e. introverts & extroverts )
Interpersonal Relationship: i.e. friendships, cliques , those in conflict , flirtation
Perceptions: i.e. respect , trust , unity , superiority , seniority , jealousy , competency
Team Roles : i.e. informal leader , clerical support person , manager , caretaker
Team Goals: i.e realistic , achievable
Team Values : i.e. congruent with goals , congruent across the team
Office Layout and Location : i.e. file cabinets dividing team in two , off-site teams
Tools and Technology: i.e. email , voice mail , latest and oldest technology
Organizational Culture : i.e. status symbols , traditions , behavioral norms , survival strategies , ways of
thinking
Processes/Methods/Procedures: i.e. brainstorming methods , communication protocols , planning
processes , quality assurance procedures
Comfort Measures: i.e. lighting , room temperature , location of snack machines
External Environment: i.e. legal mandates , foreign cultures , changing regulations , customer demands
shifting economics conditions
Team Dynamics: can it be managed constructively ?
The manager ( project & engineering ) need to be attentive to the natural forces at play and determine
whether they are acting to unify or divide the team , then implement changes to create a more positive
dynamics
Team Dynamics: how to know what is impacting performance
Can poll the team via email to determine the extend to which the forces as listed impacts the team
functioning . This polling can be discussed at a team meeting , after this meeting the manager will know
which forces impacts the team and also which forces drive performance
Knowledge of Team Dynamics page 1 of 1