Lesson 2: Teams
1. Why Have Teams Become So Popular?
team pros
-typically outperform individuals when the tasks require multiple skills, judgment, and
expertise (complex problems)
-use talents better
-are more flexible and responsive to changes (agile)
-facilitate employee involvement
-increase employee participation in operating decision
-democratize an organization and increase motivation
è teams are now the fundamental unit of the organization
è if an organization wants to be more agile, effective, and efficient it needs to
influence not only how people work but also how they work together
2. Differences Between Groups and Teams
work group
-a group that interacts primarily to share information, make decisions, and help each
group member perform within his or her area of responsibility
work team
-generates positive synergy through coordination
-the individual efforts result in a level of performance greater than the sum of the
individual inputs
è the extensive use of teams creates the potential for an organization to
generate greater outputs with no increase in employee headcount
è calling a group a team doesn’t automatically improve its performance
3. Types of Teams
problem-solving teams
-groups of 5 to 12 employees from the same department who meet
for a few hours each week to discuss ways of improving quality,
efficiency, and the work environment
Lesson 2 1/5
1. Why Have Teams Become So Popular?
team pros
-typically outperform individuals when the tasks require multiple skills, judgment, and
expertise (complex problems)
-use talents better
-are more flexible and responsive to changes (agile)
-facilitate employee involvement
-increase employee participation in operating decision
-democratize an organization and increase motivation
è teams are now the fundamental unit of the organization
è if an organization wants to be more agile, effective, and efficient it needs to
influence not only how people work but also how they work together
2. Differences Between Groups and Teams
work group
-a group that interacts primarily to share information, make decisions, and help each
group member perform within his or her area of responsibility
work team
-generates positive synergy through coordination
-the individual efforts result in a level of performance greater than the sum of the
individual inputs
è the extensive use of teams creates the potential for an organization to
generate greater outputs with no increase in employee headcount
è calling a group a team doesn’t automatically improve its performance
3. Types of Teams
problem-solving teams
-groups of 5 to 12 employees from the same department who meet
for a few hours each week to discuss ways of improving quality,
efficiency, and the work environment
Lesson 2 1/5
