We have all been part of a team or a group that does not work well together and is ineffective. This can be contributed to several factors but the results are at many times, dysfunctional and disastrous. Members of the team often blame one another for problems, there is a lack of accountability or responsibility, morale is low, and the team fractures with individuals failing to work together. When teams fail to work effectively, their purpose becomes irrelevant.
Successful teams are made up of a group of diverse people who interact with one another, share information, collaborate, make decisions, problem solve and cooperate to establish common goals (Gamble and Gamble, 2013). Most of us are familiar with the well known concept: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Teams are created primarily to achieve synergy- which is the idea that together a team will produce better results and better solutions over any one individual working together (Gamble and Gamble, 2013).
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Creating Synergy on a Team
Effective leaders understand that for a team to realize its goals, team members must agree on how to work together which means they must figure out how to relate to one another (Gamble & Gamble, 2013). The leader then must create an environment of trust and stability that allows members to work collaboratively and do great work (Gamble & Gamble, 2013). Here are several factors that lead to synergy according to MIT-trained economist, Luis E. Romero:
- Common Interests. Members of the group need to have common interests to align their individual efforts with a collective goal.
- Common Values. Members who share common values create strong inter-personal relationships. Specifically, those who share values of humility, honesty, trust and discipline have the capability for the highest synergies.
- Complementary Talents. When members of a group have complimentary talents, they can stay focused and achieve success more efficiently. Teamwork is based on team members helping each other out and recognizing strengths and weaknesses they each posses.
When these factors are present, team synergy will follow.
What do you think?
Have you every worked on a team that was effective or ineffective? What constitutes a great team and is synergy present?
Sources:
Gamble, T.K., & Gamble, M.W. (2013) Leading with Communication: A Practical Approach to Leadership Communication. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Moran, R.T., Abramson, N.R., & Moran, S.V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences (9th ed). Chapter 5. Routledge.
Romero, L.E. (2015, Dec 1). The Ultimate Guide to Team Synergy. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/luisromero/2015/12/01/the-ultimate-guide-to-team-synergy/?sh=71ee190652f5