Addressing_Challenges

Addressing Challenges of Groups and Teams Ashanti M. Jai LDR/531 April 12, 2010 Bonnie Mason Abstract Distinguishing the difference between work groups and teams could be somewhat difficult, while it is important to understand that teams are forms of work groups but not all work groups are teams. While groups can be effective today, teams are increasingly becoming the primary means for organizing work within many modern-day organizations. Understanding the challenges and benefits of teams and groups is important as it aids in resolving potential issues surrounding team collaboration, communication, and conflicts. In efforts to help one gain a better understanding this paper will clearly explain the differences between a group and a team, while discussing challenges and benefits associated with group and team atmospheres. This paper will also describe how an organization such as Wells Fargo can benefit from team and group settings. The Organization Overview In 1852 Henry Wells and William Fargo founded Wells Fargo & Co. to serve the west. Wells Fargo overall vision and values are to remain committed to understanding sales and service for every customer, remaining focused on its diversified business model, relationship strategy, and belief in people as a competitive advantage. Wells Fargo also focused a lot on consistency and sustainable revenue growth (Wells Fargo History, 2006). In order for Wells Fargo to accomplish its vision and values, it starts with the team. In order for a team to be successful in accomplishing goals and continuing legacies, a plan must be implemented. Groups and Teams Today Wells Fargo is one the nation’s top banks and has over 275,000 diverse team members working across diverse business lines and geographies. Wells Fargo is comprised of team members and groups who are diverse in age, education, ethnic origin, lifestyle, ability, race, religion, and sexual orientation (Diversity at Wells Fargo Today, 1999-2000). Despite all of the many challenges and differences, Wells Fargo continues to prosper in diversity and team collaboration. According to Stephen P. Robbins and Timothy A. Judge, a group is defined as two or more individuals, interacting and interdependent, who have come together to achieve particular objectives and can be either formal or informal. A work group primarily shares information and makes decisions in efforts to help each member of the group perform his or her responsibilities. A formal group is defined by the organizations structure, with designated work assignments establishing tasks. Informal groups are alliances that are neither formally structured nor organizationally determined. A team is a group of people linked in a common purpose. A work team generates positive synergy through coordinated efforts (Robbins & Judge, 2007). As a diversified team and group environment, it is essential that Wells Fargo establishes a substantial training program to help develop and strengthen team communication and collaboration. A plan must also be structured to help team and group members resolve potential conflicts and issues. Training Plan First and foremost a strong team is built upon a particular purpose or objective. For this training plan to work all members must understand his or her purpose, as well as, indentify other members differentiating qualities such as; attributes, values, motivational factors, and communication styles. Secondly, it is important to realize that teams do not always interconnect effortlessly and therefore will face challenges. Thirdly, after forming a strong team and identifying differences, it is useful to design processes and procedures. Processes and procedures help teams become more organized and aware of his or her responsibilities. Processes and procedures assists in categorizing challenges, benefits, and conflicts team members can face. Team A recognized many challenges and benefits that come with a diverse team setting. In addition, team A identifies ways to reduce and eliminate prospective conflicts amongst team members. Challenges, Benefits, and Conflicts Diverse teams and groups are faced with many challenges when attempting to complete a task. Despite the many challenges there are a multitude of benefits that arise from group collaborations. At the same instance challenges will arise. That is why it is important to address impending challenges early on to avoid confusion. Team A identified a few benefits and challenges that are associated with teams. Creativity- One of the reasons teams have grown dramatically in the workplace is because of the synergy, or collaborative energy that is created by tapping into the collective wisdom of team members. Challenges: Creativity can be a challenge in group settings in that each person is offering different skills, knowledge, and personal attributes. In group settings it is essential to be open to others creativity. Implementing team creativity: Each team must collectively generate creative ideas for improving work processes and problem solving. Creative contributions and sessions should be performed regularly to continually improve and strengthen team functioning. Support- Support is very critical in team settings because it shows genuine interest in other people’s ideas. Offering support creates a good team player and atmosphere for the entire group. Challenges: Team members find it difficult to support others ideas because of their personal feelings. Team member A may feel that team member B ideas are silly and irrelevant to the team’s objective. Implementing Support: If a teammate suggests something, always consider it. Each member’s ideas and thoughts must be considered among everyone and jointly decided whether the idea is beneficial to the team or not. Time Management- The benefits of time management are many and varied, but some of the most important include greater productivity, confidence, and the ability to meet goals, the opportunity to have fun and gain organizational skills. Challenges: In most groups it is common for teams to face issues with time management. If rules are not early, it could later lead to conflicts among the team. Those who fail to properly manage their time often end up with a list of things left undone. Implementing time management: When discussing time management, task and duties must appointed by the designated leader. Those who fail to meet his or her goals shall be addressed accordingly. Utilizing the above tools and techniques to facilitate effective communication is essential in order to maximize team effectiveness. When communication structures and protocols are not in place it can lead to communication breakdowns and eventually to confusion. Simple misunderstandings that are not detected can impair team productivity creating serious problems. Large companies such as Wells Fargo can utilize this program to help maintain a successful diverse environment, as well as, gain knowledge of the many challenges that may arise in team settings. Although teams and groups may be approached with challenges, there are also immense benefits that come along with team communication and collaboration. References: