When working with larger teams, one of the key distinctions we often explore is the difference between a team and a group. Understanding this difference is crucial, as it significantly influences how we operate and achieve our goals.
So, what sets a team apart from a group?
A Team:
Shared Goals: Everyone is aligned towards common objectives. There is interdependence and collective performance and success.
Collective Purpose: There is a unified purpose driving every member.
Individual and Collective Accountability: Each person is responsible for their own tasks and the team’s overall success. Members hold each other accountable to achieve team goals. There is shared responsibility and ownership of outcomes.
Collaboration: Team members actively seek each other's involvement and input. Team members leverage each others strengths for problem solving and decision making.
A Group:
Stand-Alone Goals: Each member may have separate, individual goals. Members are generally independent in their work and responsibilities. Performance is generally measured by the sum of individual achievement rather than cohesive outcomes.
No Collective Purpose: There's no single, unifying purpose. They are more task driven.
Individual Accountability: Responsibility lies solely with the individual for their own outcomes. They are responsible for their own performance and outcomes.
Cooperation: Members support each other but do not necessarily engage deeply in collaborative efforts. The output is often the aggregate of individual contributions.
As leaders, gaining clarity on whether we are functioning as a team or a group is essential. This understanding shapes our approach, commitment, and ultimately, our success.
Take a moment to reflect: Are we a team or a group?
If you want to create a cohesive and thriving team then please get in touch. We love working with teams so they thrive!
Next week we will be launching our Thriving Academy with a whole module dedicated to Thriving Teams.
If you feel like you need some extra help to become a confident leader, our next Thriving Leaders Program kicks off on the 15th of August. We have 4 places remaining. Please get in touch if you’d like to find out more.
P.S. If you’d like to create a thriving team within your organisation, here are some ways we can work together:
Thriving Teams workshops for your whole team to drive cohesion to achieve exceptional business results.
Keynote on how to build a thriving team.
Read Thriving Leaders: Learn the Skills to Lead Confidently, you can purchase it here.
If you’d like to chat, please book some time in my calendar.
Comments