Case 4: Overhead Reduction Task Force At one point or another, everyone has been placed in a group of people and assigned a task that needed to be accomplished. Many of these groups are simply that, a group. The task that many fail to see as the number one objective of the group is to foster a teamwork by actually transforming the group to a cohesive team. The idea sounds fairly simple and transparent, "If everyone works together, we have a team!" This could not be farther from the truth. Teamwork is not merely the ability to work together to get from point A to B. The Overhead Reduction Task Force is a case that exhibits this strong need to build a team in order to be the most effective in achieving goals. The group that has been …show more content…
Once Dixon leaves the meeting, the responsibility of fostering teamwork begins. Since the goal of a 20% reduction and the means limited to achieve this were identified by Dixon, Larry must quickly establish order and define the team's mission. The goal of the initial meeting should be strictly to begin the fostering of teamwork. Going over possible solutions is useless if the members of the task force are not willing to actually work together effectively. For this reason, a mission statement must be determined either by Larry alone or possibly use it as an opportunity of team building and let the group decide together. If the group is able to decide together, Larry has the opportunity to observe the various members in order to determine the best approach at moving forward. Larry must also strive to quench some of the distrust within the various departments by stressing the importance of the various aspects of cooperation theory. If Larry is able to get the member to cooperate rather than compete, the likelihood that they will be more efficient is high. Reducing the overhead is obviously a major goal for the GM, Dixon, so the task cannot be ignored however Larry must consider that all of the members of his team still have their usual jobs to attend to. The team cannot simply lock themselves away for four weeks and ignore other demands. Due to this, Larry needs to set-up a plan of when, where, and how long
It is essential to have teamwork within a company. Companies who have embraced the concept of teamwork have reported increased performance in work production, problem solving and it has stimulated new growth. This group project approach has improved employee morale and increased input when managed correctly. The benefits of teamwork can make a positive effect in the company that incorporates this type of teamwork approach.
Team work means that a shared sense of purpose is felt and a common purpose is identified. This bonds individuals into a team and creates the ideal scenario for success and achievement.
Establish objectives together: Define performance objectives with the team and make sure that all team members understand the objectives and what actions will need to be taken to achieve them.
When there’s a big task to be completed that needs different ideas and different sections working on. When tasks need to be completed quickly working as a team to complete this will achieve positive results.
Teams are an integral component of organizational success. They take on many forms and functions and can have various structures. Teams also conduct a wide variety of projects with goals of innovation or mitigation. An example, from my experience, of a project that required the execution from a team was the establishment of a finished goods inventory program within a paper manufacturing company. A project of this magnitude required that a diverse and multifaceted team be assembled.
Teamwork presents diverse approaches and solutions to tasks and problems within an organization. It is an effective method to ensure that an organization’s tasks are handled and effectively and in a timely manner as opposed to a single-hand approach. Given the myriad reasoning and points of view to a single problem or task at hand, a number of diverse solutions can be achieved through teamwork. As such, it is imperative to keep team members motivated and focused on achieving organizational goal (Baker, Day & Salas, 2006). It should be noted that refocusing and motivating team members towards achieving organization’s goal can be a daunting task. There are a number of tactics that can be utilized by leaders in order to keep team members refocused, motivated and productive.
In the workplace, teams play a very important role in goal achievement. With the help and support of a team leader, the organization can become very successful as long as the team is effective and cooperative. There are many different leadership styles/theories that make each leader unique and effective in their own way. It is not just the leader though that has to be effective. The team as a whole needs to come together and being efficient. Team building strategies are very helpful and effective to bring everyone together. Although working in a team is very effective in most cases, conflicts can still arise. In order to bring everyone back together again conflict resolutions need to be put into place such as the problem solving technique.
We are a small team with huge responsibilities. We can neither operate as individuals nor can we wear one hat. Everyone on the team has a huge task and purpose and the team requires every member to successfully perform our mission. Teamwork is the key to our success. If we operate as a team there is nothing we cannot accomplish or conquer.
Make sure that ALL team members understood and agreed to follow a specific plan, with minimal room for adjustments
Teamwork is the product of two or more persons working together to accomplish a given goal. Take for instance the Egyptian Pyramids. If one man alone tried to plan and build these colossal monuments by himself, he would have failed miserably. However, when men bond together and put their efforts to work toward a common goal, they can
Set limits on what members can do Teams perform better. Understand individual strengths and weaknesses Optimistic role on diversity Smaller teams are more effective Effective with just enough people to complete task Gives an option Allows to have high and low performing teams All members must share workload Delegate responsibility Allows teamwork
Teams are more than just groups of people assembled in the same area, they are a collection of individuals dedicated to a common purpose and with a series of detailed performance targets, working together with complementary skills. Teams of people are encountered in various scenarios, not just in the workplace, but also throughout life, such as sports, associations, charities and voluntary services.
4. There are several things Wilson should do in preparation for the meeting with division managers. The most important one is to “define a goal in clear and elevating way” (2). While goal is very clear, Dixon took away an opportunity to define goal in the elevating way. Still, Wilson should make sure that team members can clearly see their relevance to the goal.
Teamwork is the backbone of effective communication and the crucial cog that keeps the wheel of successful project management turning. The role of teamwork in enhancing problem solving skills, cohesion, learning, and productivity can no longer be ignored. Proper teamwork plays an integral role in promoting the effective implementation and fulfillment of shared goals in a team project in a manner that is better and quicker. Team work also provides a solid platform on which team members can take on different responsibilities and contribute in ways that together makes the entire team an effective unit.
5. What is the next step the team members must take in order to complete their project plans?