What is a team? Here’s a definition we like:
“A team is a small number of people with complementary skills who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals, and approach for which they are mutually accountable.” (Katzenbach and Smith, 1993)
We think it helps to think of a sports team – such as a football team, where players have different and defined roles, and work together to achieve a common aim.
Co-operative working implies a flat management structure, with no boss* telling people what to do. Instead the team decides what to do and allocates roles and responsibilities to its members.
Team behaviour – task & process
Meredith Belbin’s Team Role Theory can be used to identify people’s behavioural strengths and weaknesses in a team. Team members can use the model to identify how their personality characteristics can indicate which team roles they are most suited to perform.
* Did you know that in the US the Network of Bay Area Co-operatives call themselves NoBAWC? (Try saying ‘no boss’ in a US accent) 😉
Need help?
All resources on the Co-operantics website are free and we encourage “DIY”, self-help in co-ops. However, if you require external assistance with team development, want some team working skills training or you would like us to facilitate a session in your organisation please contact us and we can discuss a price.