Workgroup/Team criteria LO4223

James McKinley (leaders@gulftel.com)
Wed, 13 Dec 95 17:25:39 -800

> Def. of Learning Org LO4204
>
> DanatPDI@aol.com
> Tue, 12 Dec 1995 11:43:46 -0500
[...snip! by your host...]
> I would be interested in the "inherent" criteria and how they preclude
> a
> high performing work group from being a "team."
>
> If one defines a team as "a group of individuals who must work
> interdependently to achieve personal and organizational objectives" it
> is
> then possible for "team" to be a mere label. If, on the other hand,
> one
> adds a performance criteria, i.e., "engages in behaviors and processes
> that capitalize on individual contributions, collective capabilities
> and
> team learning to achieve high levels of team effectiveness,
> cohesiveness
> and outstanding results (teamwork), the concept and definition of a
> team
> transcends "an organization built along specific lines to achieve a
> specific purpose."
>
> What prevents a high performing work group from being a team?

This criteria for "working group", "team" and "high performance team" is
from research by Mary Ellen Collins.

"A working group convenes to share information and make decisions." "A
real team is structured to accomplish a specific task, has complimentary
skills and is committed to a common purpose and performance." "A high
performance team has all the characteristics of a real team and more. They
outperform all reasonable expectations, have a personal commitment to each
other, share roles and leadership and exceed beyond their wildest dreams."

Five characteristics of high performance teams:

1. High performance teams demonstrate behaviors similar to that of a
religion or an elite club.

2. High performance teams have significant organizational support and
reciprocate by supporting the organization.

3. High performance teams are agents of change and are continually
shifting the way business is done.

4. High performance teams have tremendous influence within and outside the
organization.

5. High performance teams are a vehicle for involvement and leadership. 

--
Jim McKinley
Excellence in Leadership
leaders@gulftel.com