Team Building

A team is defined as:

• An energetic group of people,

• Who are committed to achieving common objectives,

• Who work well together and enjoy doing so, and

• Who produce high quality, planned results.

NEEDS OF GROUP MEMBERS

A good leader  is only as strong as its individual members. A group member needs:

• A sense of belonging. A feeling of welcome. A sense of being needed for one's self, not just for money or name. Use many different people on committees-ask everyone to do something at least once.

• To share in planning activities, program, goal setting. Allow everyone's ideas to have a fair hearing.

• To feel that he or she is contributing to a good cause that extends beyond self, what is being done is worthwhile. Be sure projects and programs are meaningful, and provide worthwhile activities and information.

• To know what is expected. Clearly outline job descriptions, committee assignments.

• To have responsibilities that challenge, are within the range of abilities, contribute toward the organization's goals. Match jobs with abilities of members; know your membership.

• To see that progress is being made. Report regularly to the membership on programs and projects.

• To be kept informed. An informed membership will be an enthusiastic, supportive membership.

• To have confidence in the leadership. Confidence is based on consistent, fair treatment; recognition when it is due; efficient handling of duties and responsibilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF GROUP MEMBERS

Group members have responsibilities they also must assume. As a team, working with the leadership, they can be expected to:

• Have a clear understanding of the group's purpose and goals.

• Look ahead and plan ahead.

• Achieve a high degree of inter-communication.

• Initiate and carry on problem solving.

• Be objective about its own functioning; maintain a balance between emotional and rational behavior.

• Strike a balance between group productivity and the satisfaction of individual's needs.

• Share leadership responsibilities among the group members.

• Feel free to express their feelings and points of view.

• Have a high degree of cohesiveness, but not to the point of stifling individuality.

• Make effective use of the differing abilities of its members.

• Stick to issues that are vital to its members and the association.

• Recognize that means are inseparable from ends.

• Understand the values and limitations of democratic methods.

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY

Individuals in the group have a responsibility to participate effectively and to work as part of the team. Each one can be expected to fully support the group's efforts once a determination is made by group process. Commitment to the goals of the group is the most important ingredient for a successful year.

In meetings, group members are expected to get involved in discussions, speaking when they have something worthwhile to say, but keeping those remarks to the point and as brief as possible to encourage participation by all. Group members bring individuality and creativity to the meetings.

Each individual should feel free to express personal feeling, knowing that presenting differences of opinion is the only way to expose people to other's points of view. Remarks should always focus on the idea or opinion, and should never become a personal attack on another group member.

Group members are expected to take a positive approach. An open mind is the greatest asset a group member can contribute to team efforts. Individuals can be expected to be dependable, carrying through with an assignment until it is successfully completed. Above all, individuals must be enthusiastic about the work of the group! Enthusiasm is contagious!