Teamwork

Cooperation is the thorough conviction that nobody can get there unless everybody gets there.

—Virginia Burden

As noted when we discussed engineering problem solving, teamwork is essential for successfully undertaking and completing almost any non-trivial project.

From this time forward, you will be part of many teams, both in school and wherever life takes you.

Practical aspects of teamwork for this course are also covered in the ‘Resources for Lab Groups’ section of the course packet and the Successful lab groups page.

Essential ingredients of a successful team

  1. A clear mission or set of goals

  2. A plan for attacking problems

  3. Clearly defined roles

  4. Clear communication

  5. Well-defined decision procedures

  6. Balanced participation

  7. Established ground rules

  8. Awareness of group processes

Stages of team development

  1. Forming: Organization of the group, setting of rules and procedures, introductions of members and learning a little about each other.

  2. Storming: Emergence of conflict caused by different perspectives, experiences, backgrounds and views. This is the time when most groups will fail.

  3. Conforming: Coming to the agreement to disagree; tolerance of varying views and opinions and perspectives. Individuals accept the team, their roles on the team, and the individuality of the various team members.

  4. Performing: Utilization of individual differences for the benefit of the group and the work of the group. Varying perspectives and differences are viewed as advantages rather than hindrances.

Exercise: Teamwork

In light of the Stages of team development above …

What are some actions team members can take to help assure success? At what stage?

If you encounter a problem with one or more of the members of your lab group, what should you do? At what stage?

Brainstorm with the students around you and come up with three concrete actions.