Team

Team

A team is a group of individuals working together to achieve a common goal. A team becomes more than just a collection of people when a strong sense of mutual commitment creates synergy, thus generating performance greater than the sum of the performance of its individual members.

Definition

The Oxford English Dictionary cites the earliest use of the word "team" in English as from 1553, when it referred to a "team" of animals pulling a vehicle. In the 1611 King James Version, 2 Esdras 2:15, "Have thy children make speed and look what thou hast in the house, yet let it not be thine alone, but let it be for them which walk with thee; these are the teams."

Types of teams

There are several types of teams, including:

• Project team: A project team is a team whose members usually belong to different groups, functions and are assigned to activities for the same project. A team can be divided into sub-teams according to need.

• Sports team: A sports team is a group of individuals who play sports, usually team sports, on the same team.

• Virtual team: A virtual team is a group of individuals who work across time, space and organizational boundaries with links strengthened by webs of communication technology.

Characteristics of effective teams

Effective teams have certain characteristics that make them stand out. These include:

• Clear communication among all members
• Diversity of skills, personalities and perspectives
• A strong sense of mutual commitment
• Good leadership
• Regular and constructive feedback

See also

• Group dynamics
• Team building
• Team player
• Team sport

External links

• Team Building Basics
• Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing - Understanding the Stages of Team Formation

Team Resources
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