Teamwork

Stages of forming a Team

When a team is formed it will not function as a cohesive unit straight away. Teams go through stages before they are able to operate together. These stages are:

1. Forming
2. Norming
3. Storming
4. Performing

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5. Forming: Members meet for the first time and are polite, not revealing much until they know each other.
6. Storming: Personalities and opinions emerge, leading to potential clashes. Members test ideas and may resist others' suggestions.
7. Norming: The team adapts to working together. Normal routines and trust start to form.
8. Performing: The team works cohesively, completing tasks effectively. They become aware of individual strengths and group dynamics.

Benefits of Teamwork

Teamwork results in benefits such as:

9. Increased job satisfaction
10. Improved relations
11. Easier decision-making
12. Lower staff turnover

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13. Improved job satisfaction: Employees feel valued as their efforts are recognised, resulting in increased employee motivation.
14. Improved relations: Communication and interpersonal skills improve. This results in a better atmosphere in the workplace. Members persuade and influence, aiding leadership development.
15. Easier decision-making: Shared responsibility reduces individual anxiety. Input from all members is encouraged which makes it easier to come to decisions.
16. Lower staff turnover: Reduced industrial relations problems and less conflict lead to happier, more stable employees.