Team Building - Building Whole greater than the sum of the parts

When was the last time you heard the phrase "variety is the spice of life"? In what context was it used? It has been applied to experiences? Well - it can be. It has been applied to teams? Well - it should be! And the team building that can help add spice.

The definition of a group is that in which the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Otherwise, it's just a collection of individuals. I find it impossible to imagine how my definition can be achieved if the team is composed of clones os a single individual - no matter how well that person is. Make it more than the sum of the parts is about exploiting the differences between people, not the similarities.

Yet, too often, the differences become weaknesses instead of strengths should be. What is the key symptom of this? Unproductive conflict within the team. What is the usual remedy for this? Conflicting ones to keep separate - either on its own initiative or because the management changes and enforces the distance.

I see this as a waste. The difference is good. It leads to more choices, better decisions and superior performance. If it can be funneled. The hard part is recognizing the value. Without seeing the potential, what remains are questions.

Because they are also fundamental differences between individuals in the same team collectively a positive characteristic? Let's take an example.

Suppose that Sam is an energetic type "up and at 'em" in character. Sam loves new things, enjoys a challenge and is naturally extroverted. Sam does not care much for the details and always wants things now. A colleague, Pat, an individual is much quieter and infinitely more diligent. Pat believes that there is a place for everything and everything should be in place. The attention to detail is among the greatest strengths Pat and Pat does not like to start something without all the resources necessary to complete it at your fingertips.

Sam thinks that Pat is too slow and too pedantic. Pat thinks that Sam is rushed and a show off. Do not really like each other. Their relationship is a source of tension in the team.

Enter Sam and manager Pat. What he or she do?

The first is to keep them separate. Put them on different projects, if possible. Move to opposite sides of the department, perhaps. And never, never feed him after midnight. With luck, the interruption of success of the team will be kept to a minimum.

The second option is a difficult decision for the manager - but is not that what he or she is paid? While the nature of providing all the necessary ingredients for gunpowder in the right proportions, Sam and Pat actually have highly complementary skill sets. If the manager wants something done well when time is of the essence, Pat definitely get the job. If it is new or has to be done quickly, Sam will be the first choice.

Of course, what usually happens is that the manager must do it quickly and well. A mix of the two is what is needed. Sam combines natural ability to climb rapidly to a challenge with Pat diligence and attention to detail and an ideal combination is available. If Sam and Pat can be helped to appreciate one another's strengths and work together effectively.

This is what we call team building. A manager may choose to combine the members of the team into a truly effective in a number of ways, and team building itself should not be made during a session of the day away. However, such a session is a great way to address these issues in a less emotional and independent, and are worth considering.

By choosing carefully the activities that require people with diametrically opposed personalities to work together using all his strength to good effect. The creation of such a secure environment for exploring the benefits of such collaboration and the use of a structured debriefing process to ensure that the learning points are documented - and are transferred to the workplace. This is really team building.

Variety may or may not be the spice of life. But it is certainly the basis for a better team performance.

Sandstone Limited ......