Groups vs. Teams

According to bizjournals.com, a "group is a collection of individuals who coordinate their individual efforts."  Take for example a bus tour.  Individuals choose to take bus tours in many countries to help them get around for personal pleasure.  Teamtechnology.com takes it one step further and describes a group as "a social community consisting of two or more people who have something in common."  I prefer this second definition as it is more clear.

A team, on the other hand, is a group of people who share a common team purpose and goals and are committed to the goals and each other and are dependent on each other for the success of the outcome (Biz/TeamTech).

I am reminded of a time I worked with a team using the Tuckman's Model of Group Development. The title of this model is actually what took place at the beginning of the team formation.  We took a group of individuals with varied expertise and assembled a team in order to create an Intranet for the College.  If we were individuals who were just talking about our common reasons for wanting an Intranet, we would have stayed as a group.  However, once we entered into conversations about what we can do to create an Intranet, we were able to use each other's expertise to help create it.  While reviewing the Tuckman Model of Group Development, I can honestly state that we did go through each of these stages before we were able to complete and assess our work as a team.  The most uncomfortable stage for me was par of the storming stage when some people in the room, including me, were vying for position.  I have since learned how to better manage my insecurities in a group of individuals who vie for position rather than joining in as that most definitely backfired.  I notice this more with women than men and is something I am going to do some research on in a future paper.

At the Forming Stage, we acquainted all of the individuals with each other through awareness and inclusion.  I stated the reason why this group was formed and the goal of the team moving forward.  At the Storming Stage, we began to communicate, holding onto our unique talents and preconceived notions through inner-conflict and vying for position.  Once people felt heard and their opinions validated through structure and cooperation (Norming Stage), I was able to move into the Performing Stage so we could get to our work at hand through cohesion and group identity and drive it to completion with success.  Here, we were able to take the individual talents of each individual and use it for the purpose set aside for this team.  The final stage, Adjourning, is critical to all teams after they complete a project. Important aspects of this stage include transitions that may need to take place and recognition of team member contributions.  We are still at the Performing Stage but will remember to adjourn in a timely manner.

References

http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2013/06/the-difference-between-a-group-and-a.html

http://www.teamtechnology.co.uk/team/dynamics/vs-group-dynamics/

https://www.slideshare.net/perspectum/5-stages-of-group-development-norms-tuckman-16474067