Teamwork is one of today’s more popular buzzwords. It seems as if everyone is on the teamwork bandwagon, after all, two heads must be better than one! Hundreds, if not thousands, of hours are spent on team-building activities and retreats. Whether you are working in a classroom, boardroom, or family room, at some point, you are likely to find it necessary to work as a team.
Do you know the perceptions and strengths of your team members?
If we agree that success and efficiency are best met by a group effort, then why is it so difficult for groups of people to operate together as a cohesive unit? Teamwork consultants will tell you that some of the stresses plaguing any team come from lack of trust, lack of direction, or lack of definitive goal. These are all vital components and they must be considered in the planning of any team project or task. There is at least one other component of team planning that is often overlooked — the perception each team member has about teamwork itself.
Blue Teammates
Blues love working in groups. Teamwork is right up their alley. They enjoy the social aspect, the collaboration, and the camaraderie of solving a problem or completing a task with others. However, as much as they are enthused by teamwork and group process, they have trouble if the group has not jelled and conflict comes to the table.
Blues require clear goals and expectations. From a Blue perspective, these components allow the team to start as conflict and competition free as is possible. In addition, Blues like to spend a chunk of time getting to know the members of their team, both personally and provisionally. If given their druthers, Blues would work on a project or goal as a whole group — from start to finish.
Gold Teammates
Many Golds dislike working in groups or as a team because they often have to do all of the work — at least they perceive this is the case. In some cases this perception may be true as a Gold’s need for organization, order, and completion drives them to move forward in their task at a faster rate than group members of other temperament types. In addition, Golds tend to complete and check off every detail of the project or task. A Gold checklist may contain tasks that other temperaments think are unnecessary. If this is the case, it is up to the Gold to push for completion or simply do it themselves.
Golds are likely to prefer teaming situations where a goal is given, expectations are clearly explained (in writing), tasks are evenly divided among team members, and each member completes his or her assigned task independently. In addition, where credit is given, they prefer that each team member be judged on their own merit rather than assessing the team as a whole.
Green Teammates
For Greens teamwork can be akin to a root canal. Although brainstorming sessions to discover possible solutions can be enjoyable, when it comes down to completing a task or project, a Green would simply rather do it himself (or herself) and be done. A source of stress for Greens in the teamwork world is that they often find themselves still in the brainstorming phase while other team members are ready to move into production or completion.
Greens are likely to enjoy teams that are designed to capitalize on the skill set of each member. Like other temperaments, they need clear expectations and a defined end goal. It is highly appreciated if they have the freedom to define processes as needed. The ideal Green team may tend to look a bit like the parallel play of toddlers.
Orange Teammates
Oranges often have a love-hate feeling toward teamwork. A distinct advantage for an Orange in teaming is they are typically surrounded with team members of other temperaments. This allows them to allow others to do what they do best, such as organizing and dealing with the details. In removing the perceived “drudgery” from a task, teaming allows Oranges to be creative, solve problems, and utilize their flair. However, Oranges may feel as if other members of the team are getting trapped in the minutiae of details instead of actively moving forward.
Oranges prefer teams that require active participation, especially when the goal can be met in the short-term. They are the presenters and deal closers. They enjoy those team situations where tasks can be completed with as much fun and humor as possible. They want to keep it moving and keep it light!
Implications
The pros of teamwork have been well documented. It’s a work strategy that works. However the level of success depends upon many facets. Taking into account the pros and cons of teamwork as perceived by each temperament represented on the team is a necessary step in planning the goals and expectations of the team.
In order to operate in the nexus, it is necessary to plan for and build teams on a case-by-case basis. In doing so, the needs of each member are met, skill sets can be matched, and effective work practices can be practiced.