Mostly, working groups are not like cars!
But there are some analogies:
With the pressures that teams face in today’s work environment, it’s difficult to take a break from the race and make a pit stop. And yet, when teams don’t take time for tune-ups, they will lose on most performance measures.
What are the characteristics of an effective team?
For a team to function effectively, each of these elements has to be fostered.
Living systems theory demonstrates that “feedback” is a necessary component of a dynamic and stable system. In today’s workplace, teams function in an especially dynamic context and must deal with ever-changing circumstances. A high-performing team depends on good communication and the ability to monitor, review, and evaluate performance and make corrections to improve.
Waiting for there to be a crisis in a team before addressing team functioning is like waiting until your car breaks down before fixing it. Teams and cars run better and longer with good maintenance.
Team Tune Ups can focus on various functional elements, including: communication; problem solving; conflict resolution; decision making; effective meetings; team identity; team mission ; clarifying objectives and expectations; interdependence and coordination; interaction with other groups; creativity; productivity; and performance evaluation.
When there are problems with a team, you can’t trade it in. Regular tune-ups keep teams on the road in today’s fast-paced work environment.
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