What Do Teams Bring Into Organizations?
All
organizations have formal and informal teams. Companies that employ a sizeable
number of employees find it difficult to mobilize individuals towards
organization's goals without teams. Sometimes the organizational teams are formally created,
while at times teams are independently formed by like-minded individuals.
Managers encourage organizational team building. What do teams bring into organizations?
First let us understand that teams are not the same as groups. In groups, there
are no formally elected leaders. Also, groups are informal gatherings of people.
Groups don't necessarily have a goal or an objective; groups could be formed for
social reasons.
On the other hand, organizational teams are formed with intent, a goal or a mission. Team
members are carefully selected so that each member of the team is competent to
work towards the common objective. Team leaders are also elected so that there
is no ambiguity on authority. Roles are duly assigned to members of the team, so
each member works in coordination with fellow team players.
Think of a football team. Each player of the team has a common objective: to win
the game. The captain of the team has to ensure that each player is carrying out
his tasks satisfactorily. The captain is also responsible for any inappropriate
actions of his teammates. The goal keeper's job is to defend the team's goal.
The strikers have to target the ball into the opponent team's goal. And the
defense members have to save their goal. With such clear demarcation of roles,
it becomes easy for each team player to work towards the mission.
Similarly organizations teams need to accomplish corporate goals. While
the organization is hub of all activities, the teams are the spokes which
generate output. Teamwork can yield much more than a sum of individual efforts
simply due to organized efforts and streamlined work processes. Work efficiency
is enhanced and needless multiplication of processes is eliminated.
Organizational teams also build the spirit of camaraderie. There is a sense of belonging among
employees when they are a part of a closely knit team. Vertical and horizontal
communications are stronger and influential. Hence, organizations can spread the
corporate message to the last employee down the structure. Employees feel a part
of a greater mission.
Organizational teams, just like individuals have their own identity. Every team is different
from the other. Even within an organization, different teams have different
protocols. The collective style of individuals that form the team makes the team
persona. Organizational teams are like human beings; they have ambitions, strengths, weaknesses
and even ego. Teams can compete, wrestle, succeed or fail. A good organizational team can be an
invaluable asset to the organization. A bad team can break the internal
structure of the organization.
Companies need to understand the power of teams. Organizational team leaders
need to be nurtured and equipped to build teamwork and team efficiency. Teams
can also be a source of power conflicts and bad politics. Hence, a vigilant eye
must be maintained on teams to ensure that there is no power play or inter
departmental politics. While a healthy competition is required to keep all teams
on their toes; it is essential that competition is a positive motivating factor.
