Common Misconceptions About Teamwork

Wafa Hozien, Ph.D.Assistant Professor

Virginia State Universitywhozien@vsu.edu

Six Misconceptions

• Teamwork Requires Collaboration.

• Here are Six Common Misconceptions about Teamwork from

• J. Richard Hackman’s Work in the Harvard Business Review

• Harmony Helps• It’s Good to Mix it Up• Bigger is Better • F2F is Passe • Leader Dependent• Teamwork is Magical

From: HBR, Six Common Misconceptions about Teamwork By J.Richard Hackman, 2014, pp.12-3.

Harmony Helps

• Misconception: Smooth interaction avoids time wasting.

• Conflict when focused on team’s objectives generates: Creative Solutions

• As long as conflict is about work

From: HBR, Six Common Misconceptions about Teamwork By J.Richard Hackman, 2014, pp.12-3.

Mix it Up

• Misconception: New members bring energy and innovation.

• The longer the members stay, the better they do.

• Teams that stay together longer play together better

• For example: sports/orchestra

From: HBR, Six Common Misconceptions about Teamwork By J.Richard Hackman, 2014, pp.12-3.

Bigger is Better

• Misconception: Larger groups have more resources.

• Excessive size is an impediment.• The larger the group the stronger the liklihood

of free riding/social loafing

From: HBR, Six Common Misconceptions about Teamwork By J.Richard Hackman, 2014, pp.12-3.

F2F is Passe

• Misconception: using latest technology teams can do work more efficiently at a distance .

• There are benefits to sizing up your team.• Organizations that rely on dispersed teams:

– Meet at the beginning– Midpoint– When work is done

From: HBR, Six Common Misconceptions about Teamwork By J.Richard Hackman, 2014, pp.12-3.

Leader Dependent

• Misconception: Personality, behavior and style of leader.

• The most effective leaders help members competently manage themselves.

• Launch team well• Hands on teaching and coaching

From: HBR, Six Common Misconceptions about Teamwork By J.Richard Hackman, 2014, pp.12-3.

Teamwork Magical

• Misconception: just assemble talented people and tell them generally what is expected. They will work out the details.

• The best leaders – provide clear expectations, – provide resources and support.

From: HBR, Six Common Misconceptions about Teamwork By J.Richard Hackman, 2014, pp.12-3.

Questions

• In groups of two: Give an example of each of the misconceptions.

• Which one of these misconceptions is the most relavant today and why?

From: HBR, Six Common Misconceptions about Teamwork By J.Richard Hackman, 2014, pp.12-3.