Recently, I was tasked with the responsibility of leading a team to develop an integration plan for a business we were buying. This team consisted of a variety of individuals from both companies. Partway through the assignment, I realized that the team was spinning, and we were going to miss the target date.
We had been putting in long hours and working late into the evening and some weekends. I became unsure if each member accepted their accountability and responsibility toward the team's success. I began to question whether the process I had set out was streamlined enough for success. So, we took a break and I and reached out to a mentor of mine.
He reminded me of the Tuckman Model for Stages of Group Development developed by Bruce Tuckman, a psychologist. Tuckman says there are five stages in group development: forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning.
We were adrift in the storming stage. Tuckman would describe this as, “this stage begins to occur as the process of organizing tasks and processes surface interpersonal conflicts. Leadership, power, and structural issues dominate this stage.”
He would suggest that “to progress to the next stage, group members must move from a ‘testing and proving’ mentality to a problem-solving mentality. The most important trait in helping teams move to the next stage is the ability of team members to listen to their teammates: what are they trying to say?” Tuckman suggests my role in this case requires several steps including:
- Acknowledge conflict and work for consensus among team members.
- Coach the team on conflict resolution methods.
- Coach the team looking for shared leadership to emerge and overcome the barriers to decision-making challenges.
We frequently find ourselves in situations where we need to create a special team or task force to address an issue or an opportunity. Whether the teams we put together are localized or dispersed, one of the challenges we always face is answering the question: How can we get the best performance out of our teams?
To begin, we must remind ourselves continually to consider the essentials of a successful team. The team members must have a clear understanding of their goal or reason for coming together as a team. This reflects the vision and objectives. Clear, achievable goals help keep everyone aligned and motivated.
Every member must be able to articulate and confirm their purpose. This will help the team to navigate the challenges and difficulties they will encounter. Also, making sure that everyone is in concert can be very motivational and strengthening for the team. There is nothing like an agreement to move a process along.
Clear, strong, positive organizational support and the tools they require are necessary to avoid obstacles that would hinder the team’s success. It is futile to put a team to work without the support of the organization or the needed tools, such as:
- Encourage open communication, as this creates an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, feedback, and concerns. Regular check-ins and open-door policies can help.
- Foster collaboration which encourages teamwork and collaboration. This can be accomplished through team-building activities, collaborative projects and creating a culture of mutual respect and support.
We must empower the team. Nothing is more motivational or more assistive in using the competencies of the team than having empowered them. Teams that realize they own the solution and the processes and procedures they create also recognize they are accountable.
Finally, we need to lead by example. Our leadership style will significantly impact the team’s performance. High morale and spirit are essential. We play an important part in determining whether a team achieves success. We have the responsibility to create an environment that fosters success.
Remember to display the same passion you wish to see in the team, maintain interest in what the team is doing and what they have accomplished, and be there for the team. Even empowered teams need to know we are available, and we are involved in the effort. Acknowledge their work and reward their achievement. Teams are essential to our success. Getting the best out of our teams is not a casual process and requires our attention.