1. Describing the characteristics of effective teams
Outcome 1.2
Describing the characteristics of effective teams

2. Team working
The expression ‘no man is an island’ is very true – it is not often that people can successfully work alone without the need for anyone else.

3. A team can be defined as a group which has been specially formed for a particular purpose – to achieve a particular aim/common goal. A team is characterised by three factors:
a shared purpose or goal
a sense of belonging to a team (having an identity)
a dependence/reliance on each other

4. An effective team will have good leadership and members who are all keen to take on different roles, for example:
being responsible for set tasks
helping the team leader to make decisions
giving feedback at meetings and listening to others’ ideas
helping and supporting others with their tasks
suggesting ideas and being prepared to compromise
Effective teams need to have a balance between the people who have the ideas and those who put them into action.

5. Belbin
Belbin, one of the leading management ‘gurus’, has studied team working and written numerous books on the subject.
Team size: According to Belbin, an effective team will normally consist of around 4 to 6 team members
Team roles: According to Belbin, those teams which work effectively have members who adopt a number of roles. Belbin identified 9 of these roles which the members of an effective team, whatever its size, will clearly fulfil.

6. Belbin’s Team Roles Belbin’s 9 roles The Specialist The Ideas Person
The Motivator
The Organiser
The Implementer
The Checker
The Finisher
The Go Getter
The Team Player
Belbin’s 9 roles

7. Stages in team development
Forming
Storming
Norming
Performing

8. What makes a team effective?
Shared goals and supporting each other
Shared knowledge
Shared experience and skills
Productive environment
Ability to resolve conflict within the team

9. Team conflict
There are many reasons for conflict but it usually occurs when there are:
Conflicting goals
Personal disputes
Lack of resources
Changing expectations
Loyalty issues

10. Factors determining team effectiveness
Team composition
Team development/cohesiveness
Nature of the task
Team maintenance/environment
Leadership

11. Types of team leaders
One of the essential components of effective teams is appropriate leadership.
A leader can be described as someone who influences others towards the achievement of goals.
Instead of having to coerce followers to achieve a task, a good leader will motivate people to willingly work towards their goals.

12. Good leaders generally have the ability to think clearly, analyse situations and make decisions.
They know how to delegate, motivate and communicate.
They have good social skills and can build relationships with all members of their team.
Good leaders have technical proficiency, and the skills and expertise for core areas of the job.

13. There are different forms of leadership:
Autocratic
Democratic
Laissez-faire

14. Benefits of team working to the individual
There is a sense of being valued and belonging
Being able to share knowledge and increase skills by learning from others
Increased motivation and morale
More likely to take risks, as these are shared

15. Benefits of team working to the organisation
A multi-skilled and flexible workforce that can change and adapt to needs as required
Employees take on more responsibility and need less supervision
Specialisation and division of labour into different project areas
Risks undertaken successfully can hugely benefit organisation

16. Answer the following questions:
Use your notes to help you answer the questions.
List the characteristics of a successful team.
Which is the most successful stage of team development? Why?
Give 2 reasons why conflict may arise within a team.
Outline 2 qualities of a successful leader.
Using Belbin’s descriptions, which role or roles would you play in a team? Give a reason for your answer.