Chapter11

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning

Chapter 11Chapter 11Effective Team Building

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Delmar Learning2

ObjectivesObjectives

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to: Discuss advantages and disadvantages of teamwork Review key concepts of creating an effective team

Discuss the stages of a team process Discuss ways to create a conducive environment for teamwork

Identify the qualities of an effective team member

Identify the qualities of an effective team leader


Definition of a TeamDefinition of a Team

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

Teams exist for specific purposes


Types of TeamsTypes of Teams

Multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary Comprised of varied disciplines contributing to an individual patient’s care

Team works closely and communicates frequently

Allows the disciplines to work together collaboratively


Types of TeamsTypes of Teams

Committees Teams serve on several types of committees, which are created for specific goals or tasks

The goal is to improve patient care


Advantages of TeamworkAdvantages of Teamwork

Promotes safe and efficient patient care delivery

Creates effective interprofessional communication

Equalizes power through shared governance Improves interpersonal relationships and job satisfaction

Promotes free exchange of ideas, team cohesion, trust, and mutual respect

Improves stability in employee satisfaction


Disadvantages of Disadvantages of TeamworkTeamwork

May take longer to achieve a goal than one individual

Team members may have disagreements on the best course of action

Teams develop through time-consuming predictable stages of selecting the right members for the team, organizing team goals and manpower, and team collaboration

Some team members may lack interest, motivation, or skills to participate in the team process


Informal TeamsInformal Teams

Can influence the organization either positively or negatively

Are not directly established or sanctioned by the organization, but often form naturally

Can become very powerful Often responsible for facilitating improvements in the working conditions


Stages of Group Stages of Group and Team Process and Team Process

Forming stage Storming phase Norming phase Performing stage Adjourning phase


Forming StageForming Stage

Occurs when the group is created and they meet as a team for the first time

They explore the purpose of the team, why they are called to be part of a team, and what contribution they can bring to the table

Proceed to establishing team goals and expectations


Storming StageStorming Stage

As the group relaxes into a more comfortable team setting, interpersonal issues or opposing opinions may arise to cause conflict between the members

Conflict is healthy and a natural process

Must openly confront issues and conflict

Real teams don’t emerge unless individuals on them take risks involving conflict, trust, interdependence, and hard work


Norming StageNorming Stage

A feeling of group cohesion develops

Team members master the ability to resolve conflict

Team members learn to respect differences of opinion and work together

Overcoming barriers to performance is how groups become teams


Performing StagePerforming Stage

Group cohesion, collaboration, and solidarity are evident

Personal opinions are set aside in order to achieve group goals

Team members are openly communicating, know each other’s roles and responsibilities, are taking risks, and trusting and relying on each other


Adjourning StageAdjourning Stage

Termination and consolidation occur in this stage

The team reviews their activities and evaluates their progress

The team leader summarizes the group’s accomplishments and the roles each member played in achieving these goals

It is important to provide closure so each member leaves with a sense of accomplishment


A Winning TeamA Winning Team

Achieved when there is synergy Things work together harmoniously The whole is greater than the sum of the parts

The needs and characteristics of a patient, clinical unit, or system are matched with the nurse’s competencies


Conducive Conducive Teamwork EnvironmentTeamwork Environment

Requires ongoing time and effort Facility design allows for collaboration and interaction

Social factors Clear identification and ownership of the team goal

Clear definition and acceptance of each person’s roles and responsibilities

Clear delineation of team processes Clear opportunities to build trust


Team CommunicationTeam Communication

Ambassador activities Communicate with those in the hierarchy

Used to protect the team from outside pressures

Task coordinator activities Communicate with lateral levels in the organization

Scout activities Occur in general ideas Scanning in the external environment


Team SizeTeam Size

Team size affects performance in that too few or too many affect performance Communication and coordination problems increase with large teams

Smaller teams have lower incidence of social loafing

Individuals in large teams are able to maintain anonymity and gain from the work of the group without making a suitable contribution


Status DifferencesStatus Differences

Status is the measure of worth conferred on an individual by a group High-status members initiate communication more often and are provided more opportunities to participate

A lower-status member may be ignored or intimidated

Status differences have significant impacts on patient outcomes

Need to build a trust-sensitive environment


Psychological SafetyPsychological Safety

Describes individual’s perceptions about the consequences of interpersonal risks in their work environment

Created by mutual respect and trust among team members

Describes a climate that fosters productive discussion and non-punitive action


Qualities of Qualities of Effective Team MembersEffective Team Members Proactive Motivated Take responsibility for one’s actions, decisions, and behavior

Seize initiatives to do whatever is necessary to get the job done consistent with correct principles


Qualities of Qualities of Effective Team LeadersEffective Team Leaders

Will organize, facilitate, and manage the entire team

Must understand how various learning styles, cultural diversity, and personality differences play into the dynamics of teamwork

Have good communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and leadership skills


Qualities of Qualities of Effective Team LeadersEffective Team Leaders

Focus the team on outcome improvement

Track reports Recognize contributing members


Guidelines for Guidelines for MeetingsMeetings

Set a time frame for the meetings and stick to it

Review the progress Help group members feel comfortable with one another

Establish ground rules Get a report from each member


Guidelines for Guidelines for MeetingsMeetings

Sustain the flow of the meetings

Manage the discussion Work to avoid groupthink Close the meetings by summarizing accomplishments

Identify a time frame for future meetings


Avoiding GroupthinkAvoiding Groupthink

Occurs when the desire for harmony and consensus overrides members’ rational efforts to appraise the situation

The consequences of groupthink are that teams may limit themselves to one possible solution and fail to conduct a comprehensive analysis of a problem

Team leaders can help avoid groupthink


Symptoms of GroupthinkSymptoms of Groupthink

The illusion of invulnerability Collective rationalization Belief in the inherent morality of the team

Stereotyping others Pressures to conform The use of mindguards Self-censorship Illusion of unanimity

Chapter11

Technology

Transcript of Chapter11