Team Development and Learning

A tight knit team is a group of competent individuals who care deeply about each other and are fiercely committed to their mission. The members are highly motivated to combing their energy and expertise to achieve a common objective. From our observation and studies on team development, we have found three primary conditions that have to be met in order to attain higher levels of team performance and member satisfaction.

  • Resources and Commitment
  • Ownership and Heart
  • Learning

    These three conditions are the heart and soul of team development and yet these conditions are not blueprints. Each developing team is unique, and its needs and details of teamwork have to be worked out separately. Let's look closer at condition number three - Learning. CONDITION NO. 3 ? LEARNING

    In order to harvest the enormous power of teamwork, one's knowledge, skills and abilities have to be sharpened. This is required to support the values describe in "Condition No. 2 ? Ownership." (This is because values with skills will result in good intentions. But without the skills and behavior the values alone can not produce results. Likewise, nifty skills and techniques without the heart and soul of values will likely be perceived as manipulative and just another management ploy to trick people into giving more to the organization at the expense of its members.

    How does a team learn best about teamwork? How to take back responsibility? What exactly is there to learn from experiences in teamwork? We have found that the principles of teamwork can best be explored by adult learning modules where people try out their team development skills on actual tasks and activities. We usually select tasks that are uncommon so that participants have a level experience field. Once a task is completed, we carefully lead the learners back through their experience and encourage them to discuss the positives and negatives of the team's effort. We look for common threads of thought and weave together, with their experiences, the key concepts of principles of sound team development. Learners are then asked to plan and transfer their experiences back to the work place and develop plans to turn their learning into productive ideas or strategies. This approach to learning is fun and exciting. It usually leaves a lasting impact and memorable reference points for the future. Groups really acquire the language and the concepts of teamwork.

    The insights about teamwork are broad and deep. The following is basically an unaltered flip chart session of lessons and insights from a team located in the Midwest that produces heavy equipment. IN OUR TEAM DEVELOPMENT WE LEARNED THAT?

  • We typically underestimate the importance of the role of the leader.
  • Cross training really enhances the strength of the team.
  • Careful management and control of the team's resources is crucial.
  • You can't wait for perfect conditions before you start a task.
  • You really haven't failed until the team stops trying.
  • We have to view mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow for the long run.
  • The team has to ensure that all of its members are informed and enrolled.
  • Your ideas won't be heard unless you speak up
  • Feedback is essential for process improvement.
  • Open minds are essential for synergy to occur.
  • Our biggest barriers and fears are all perceptions that can be overcome.
  • Leaders have to lead and guide the processes; they can't be expected to produce the technical breakthroughs.
  • High performance teams must develop even their weakest or newest members.
  • We should not limit others by presupposing their limitations.
  • It is important to celebrate the success along the journey to the ultimate result.
  • Patience fosters empowerment.
  • You can't "push" a rope and you can't "push" people in the direction you want.
  • We need to share knowledge and develop people through effective coaching.
  • When you find yourself in a hole, quit digging!
  • With a little trust you can move remarkably fast through a situation.
  • Stretch goals yield stretch results.
  • It is OK for adults to request and accept help.
  • Mature adults are willing to admit that they have fears.
  • The pitfall of holding back on a good idea is bigger than the pitfall of spending some time to hear the ideas.
  • If you can visualize the process and the goal, we are in a better position to achieve it.
  • No one of us is as smart as all of us.
  • Our limitations are driven primarily by our fears.
  • We can't afford the cost of uncaring criticism.
  • True leaders will encourage input from everyone.
  • Showing emotion is OK.
  • Teamwork "ain't" easy, and it "isn't" automatic. You have to work at it.
  • Teamwork means that you have to understand the paradoxes and manage them well.
  • You have to bring people together if you are to build enthusiasm and spirit.
  • Collaboration means a lot more than agreeing to stay out of each other's way.

    The actual list was longer and took nearly two hours to share and report. Frankly, we have not seen any other type of team development process where so many insights occur in a relatively brief period of time. Since we have had the opportunity to work with this group over an extended period of time, we can report that this team was noticeably closer according to reports from other members of the organization as well. After all, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. And if we see the members of the organization as the goose who lays the golden eggs then we need to make a real investment in terms of time and money to keep the goose healthy and well.

    If you would like more information on team development or to learn more about our team development, please contact a Regional Manager from CMOE toll free at 888-262-2499 or (801)569-3444 x.3023.

    Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..
    In The News:

    Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers solutions to fixing a personal computer that freezes up. There are a number of reasons this might be happening.
    The rollout of Apple's iOS 17 brought a subtle "Rebound" notification tone that's gotten some criticism. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains a fix.
    Fitness centers and workout studios are starting to establish policies that prohibit shooting phone videos to protect people's privacy.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
    Apple recently notified a small number of iPhone customers in 92 countries that their phones may be under attack by mercenary spyware.
    An artificial intelligence-powered home security system can fire paintballs and tear gas at trespassers. The camera identifies human faces and animals.
    Technology expert Kim Komando gives her tips and tricks on enhancing your user experience a smartphone and other devices you use everyday.
    A new camera called NUCA uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away clothing in close to real time.
    The Kimberley Kube trail-ready camper has a compact but spacious design and combines luxury, functionality and ruggedness for a weekend getaway.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Emails instructing you to reset your password for an account may be legitimate, or they may be scams. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.
    Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle aims to revolutionize undersea missions — it glides through the ocean without human assistance.
    Learn how to work Google's calendar application to streamline and organize your daily tasks from technology expert Kim Komando.
    If you do not want Facebook to have automatic access to your private photos, follow our tips to protect yourself. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.
    Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson goes into detail about Apple’s recent iOS update that allows iPhone users to instantly translate spoken language simply by using the Action Button.
    Safeguarding your digital life with a reliable physical backup isn't just a precaution, it's a necessity. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides the essential backup checklist.
    Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how a Redditor exposed false recycling claims at their apartment, highlighting a report that only 21% of U.S. recyclables are processed.
    Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers a travel toolkit featuring five technology tools to help you with booking flights and hotels for your summer vacation.
    The bubble behind the clock on your iPhone can appear in different colors. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what each of those colors mean.
    Scammers are using the power of artificial intelligence to mimic voices of people and are using the fake voices to commit crimes, like kidnappings.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the science behind the Invisibility Shield, a 6-foot shield that makes people become invisible.
    The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.
    Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.
    Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.
  • If You Can?t See It, They Won?t Do It

    Recently, while developing a customer service program, I asked my... Read More

    You are Excused from Training

    Trainers, please picture this... You are presenting in a new... Read More

    Business Innovation ? Group Creativity

    Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

    Teamwork in the Workplace: A Definition

    A tight knit team is a group of competent individuals... Read More

    What Every Manager, Parent, and Teacher Should Know About How to Unify Employees, Families, & Youth

    Project Head Start has been successful not only for the... Read More

    Business Innovation ? Effective Team Structures

    Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

    Teams

    For companies to be competitive, decisions have to be made... Read More

    In 2005 Collaboration is Key

    Perhaps you're a small business owner wondering how you and... Read More

    Grow Your Staff into a Team of Creative Problem Solvers

    As a manager, your employees will come to you with... Read More

    Build a Great Team - Ten Easy Ways to Start!

    It's all about focusing on where the best value in... Read More

    Downsizing Your Team

    Team Building Question:Our office has recently learned that about 20... Read More

    Top 7 Ways to Motivate Your Team

    1. Involve them. Many employees want to be involved in... Read More

    Feedback - How to Make it Effective

    Let's look at the detail of giving feedback. Whether you... Read More

    Motivating Your Employees

    CREATE A MOTIVATIONAL CLIMATE: Create a climate where others find... Read More

    The 3 Secrets of Team Motivation

    Are workers telling the truth when they say they are... Read More

    Team Work - A Challenge of Character

    Over the years there has been much ado about team... Read More

    5 Reason Why Team Has A 4 Figure Income

    You are new to Internet Marketing, you join one Affiliate... Read More

    People Are The Heart Of Your Organization

    Do you let your people express their thoughts about the... Read More

    Franchisor Award Programs; Ideas and Innovation

    Franchisors should also be heavy on the award side of... Read More

    Virtual Team Work

    At a time when many companies are scaling down their... Read More

    WIIFM - Making the Whats In It for Me? Question Work for You

    In the constantly changing world of Call Centers, asking agents... Read More

    Leadership, Genuine, Meaningful and Productive

    One of the best lessons I have learned is the... Read More

    Motivation - The Benefits of Spending Time with Your Team

    Benefit 1 - You get to understand them betterAlmost everyone... Read More

    Joy and Laughter in the Workplace: Lessons From the Land of OZ

    Turbulent TwistersYou've read about it in the headlines and experienced... Read More

    Manage Expectations to Reduce Everyday Frustrations

    Just today my partner Russ and I sat down to... Read More

    Western Springs shuttle limo ..