Concepts

Eight Aspects of Effective Teams

Thursday, 08 October 2009 08:13 | Written by Administrator |

Observing dolphins provides us with a tremendous example of how effective teams operate. Here are just some of the things we can learn from this magnificent sea mammal:

1. Diversity.

Although dolphins generally like to associate with dolphins from similar cultures, their very survival depends on joining a diverse group in the larger pod. The diversity of the larger pod allows younger dolphins to enjoy the experience of the more mature dolphins while the more mature dolphins enjoy the increased speed of the younger dolphins.

2. Communication.

Dolphins use a clicking sound to alert other dolphin sub-pods to their desire to form a feeding pod.

3. Collaboration.

Once in the larger pod, the dolphins collaborate as they begin swimming in their sphere. There is no evidence of any dolphin being more interested in placing his own needs above the others when deciding which dolphin will be first to go through the center.

4. Cooperation.

The level of cooperation among the dolphins is unparalleled. Each dolphin seems to identify a specific path in which to swim.

5. Dedication.

Once a dolphin has selected the path it will swim, it swims that path to the absolute best of its ability.

6. Equality.

No single dolphin has a superior role in the pod or in the sphere. Although it is true that some members seem to be given more respect, even those members treat all other dolphins as equals

7. Loyalty.

Each dolphin seems to have a sense of loyalty to the other dolphins. They seem to set personal interest aside, even when a threat is present. Dolphins that have not yet eaten do not expect the other dolphins to keep the sphere going once the threat is present. All dolphins will scurry to safety. In a spirit of loyalty to the others, all dolphins will communicate the danger to the entire pod.

8. Trust.

Each dolphin demonstrates a high degree of trust toward the other dolphins. They seem to have complete confidence that each dolphin will receive a fair share of the morsels trapped in the center of their sphere.

Understanding the Team Building Concept

Thursday, 08 October 2009 08:11 | Written by Administrator |

The idea of team building is never far from the surface in any environment where large numbers of people must work together towards a common goal. Sometimes maligned, sometimes praised as being essential, the team building ethic is something that most certainly seems to be here to stay, and will be something we continue to hear a lot about. But for many people, the concept of team building is a fairly alien one. Many people have heard of it but do not know exactly what it is. They may question whether it has any effect, or whether "team building" is simply a buzz phrase with no real meaning whatsoever.

The concept as it is understood by most is that team building is a way of bringing members of an organization together in such a way as to get to know one another better, to recognize each other's strengths and weaknesses and ensure that everyone gets a fair say in a sector of the organization. The term carries echoes of sport, which is no accident. Any large or small group of individuals working towards the same goal can be compared to a sporting team. There are the members whose role is to facilitate, and those whose role is to elaborate. Some people are best at delivering the ultimate result, while others play a better role in the preparatory element of the team. Each, however, is utterly essential to the way a team works. And it is only by learning about one another that a team can really work effectively.

One concept of team building is for a "team" to go away for a weekend and take part in exercises that will define who works well together, and allow members to get to know one another. Often derided as simply being opportunities to get out into the country and get drunk, these weekends can work excellently as a way of developing a team ethic. The exercises, as diverse as paintball shooting, archery and other such outdoor pursuits as well as indoor elements based on discussion and "sharing", allow an individual to be seen in their best light as well as in their most human state. When individuals know each other, and know their best qualities, it allows them to hold together as a team better than before.

It must be said that team building has to be handled responsibly by all, as a badly developed team building exercise can end up ostracizing people and thus having the opposite effect from that which was intended. Team building is important. It can take place within the office, on a weekend away, or during lunchtime - the key point is that it brings members of the team together and allows them to get to know one another better. As well as bringing an entire team together, it can forge particularly close bonds between two or three members of the team - bonds which can help the team as a whole as well as benefiting the individuals in a real, tangible way.

Last Updated (Thursday, 22 October 2009 09:10)