Advantages and disadvantages of teams

Advantages

Disadvantages

·       More varied ideas

·       More creative solutions

·       Get more done

·       Can be more fun

·       Can take more risks

·       Can be dominated by one strong person

·       Can take more time

·       Can waste time talking, trying to be democratic

·       Hard on egos of members

·       Requires more skilled leadership

Ground Rules

Having ground rules helps every team to succeed. Ground rules ensure that people on the team know what is expected of them, and that they all understand where they are going.

Team Contracts

An Essential Framework for Collaboration

A team contract serves as a foundational document that establishes the ground rules and expectations for team members. This contract is collaboratively created by the team, allowing everyone to contribute to its development and ensuring that all voices are heard.

While some individuals may find the concept of a team contract off-putting, it can be a powerful tool for fostering accountability and clarity within a group. It’s important to recognize that a team contract may not be suitable for every scenario, but in many cases, it can significantly enhance collaboration and communication.

Key Components of a Team Contract

  1. Purpose and Goals: Clearly define the team’s objectives and what success looks like.
  2. Roles and Responsibilities: Outline the specific roles of each team member to ensure everyone understands their contributions.
  3. Communication Guidelines: Establish how and when team members will communicate, including preferred channels and frequency of meetings.
  4. Conflict Resolution: Include strategies for addressing disagreements in a constructive manner.
  5. Decision-Making Process: Specify how decisions will be made, whether through consensus, majority vote, or another method.
  6. Expectations and Accountability: Set expectations for participation, attendance, and overall engagement, along with mechanisms for holding each other accountable.

Implementation and Monitoring

Once the contract is drafted, the team should review it together, making any necessary adjustments before finalizing it. Each member should then sign and date the contract, signifying their commitment to the agreed-upon rules and expectations.

Regularly revisiting the contract can help ensure that it remains relevant and effective. Team members should feel empowered to suggest updates as circumstances evolve or challenges arise.

Sample Team Contract

Code of Conduct

As a team we will:

  • Be proactive and positive
  • Keep other team members informed
  • Focus on what is best for the team as a whole

Ground Rules

We will:

  • Be respectful, fair, and honest in all communications
  • Encourage opinions and discussion from all members
  • Be open to new approaches and listen to new ideas
  • Look at conflict and change positively
  • Work together to achieve maximum results
  • Follow best practices for decision making, communication, and meeting management
  • Celebrate accomplishments and milestones

Meeting Guidelines

  • Each meeting begins and ends on time
  • Team has an agenda for every meeting and sticks to it
  • Team members agree to prepare for meetings
  • Cell phones will be muted (or perhaps not, if you are encouraging people to openly participate, share their thoughts, and accept the prevalence of these devices in the workplace)
PreviousNext