BUS640 Study Guide
Unit 4: Team Development
4a. Compare the difference between a group and a team
- How would you define a group or a team?
- Why is it important to know the difference between a group and a team?
- How can understanding the definition of a team help working relationships?
The definitions of a team and group are very similar. Group members may work independently of one another, but each member may have accountability for their job. A team works together towards a common goal and most likely shares accountability. Although many people may use these words interchangeably, they have separate meanings, and in the workplace, it is important to understand the differences between the two.
An example would be a group of managers who meet monthly to discuss their departments while the teams working for those managers complete the work for their departments. By understanding the differences between a group and a team, you may better understand the workplace and your working environment.
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4b. Evaluate phases of team development to form effective and high-performing teams
- What are the phases of team development?
- How can team development help to create high-performing teams?
- What is team development, and who is responsible for it?
In the workplace, it is important to consider team development. If you are a new manager in charge of a team, it is important to consider how well that team works together and what you can do to better develop the team. There are five phases of team development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and ending.
As a team develops and moves through these phases, the team matures and forms deeper relationships while they work toward common goals. The better a team works together, the more effective they become, which may lead them to becoming a high-performing team. While not all teams will be effective, a good leader can direct team development to create a more efficient team.
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4c. Contrast effective methods for managing teams
- How can you effectively manage a team?
- What is an example of a method used in managing teams?
- What can you do if you take over a team that doesn't work well together?
As a leader, it is important to understand how to properly manage your team. As a new leader, team management will include understanding the team and how they work together before trying to make changes. It will be useful to spend some time planning what you would like to occur in the team before making any changes.
A few ideas for effectively managing a team include:
- creating a team culture
- setting clear goals and a vision
- using open communication and collaboration
- ensuring you provide timely feedback to each team member and the team
- settling any issues or conflicts quickly
It will also be important that you lead by example, learn to empower the team, and delegate to the team appropriately.
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4d. Critique how team-building activities maintain cohesive team synergy
- What is an example of a team-building activity?
- Why are team-building activities important?
- What is the end goal for team-building activities?
Team-building activities are common in business today as people learn to work well within the team. These activities are useful for a manager, especially for teams that do not work well together. During the process of conducting team-building activities, employees may form bonds and make connections with each other that will be useful in the workplace. This type of workplace synergy is important as team members learn to work well together.
A few ideas for team-building activities include a scavenger hunt, an egg drop, board games, executive retreats, or practicing teamwork. These activities help employees work together toward a common goal while learning how to trust each other in the process. The end goal is a team that works well together and relies on each other.
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Unit 4 Vocabulary
This vocabulary list includes terms you will need to know to successfully complete the final exam.
- group
- team
- team-building activities
- team development
- team management
- workplace synergy