Problems That Occur in a Team
Teams are useful when a range of experiences, perspectives and problem-solving skills are needed to complete a common business goal. They can be particularly effective in project management efforts. Project managers should keep close watch for problems that commonly arise in teams to make sure they stay on track in realizing their business potential.
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Time Management
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Sticking to set time lines can become a problem in managing team efforts. This includes the time spent in meetings and the time delegated to achieve particular project tasks. Delegate a time-management leader within the team to keep this from becoming a problem. Create milestones when developing project time lines to ensure that project goals and objectives are on track.
Dominating Members
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A participant can dominate team meetings unintentionally. This can become a problem when it creates resentment from others participants. Time lines set for completing team meeting agendas may be delayed and can ultimately lead to delays in completing project goals.
A participant's prior reputation as a dominant speaker can sometimes be detected by closely observing the facial expressions and body language of other participants when he starts speaking. If this turns out to be true, use verbal cues such as "Stephen, thank you for that input," then transition to another member with a feedback request: "Joyce, what do you think about...?"
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Credit
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Problems can also arise in a team when creative ideas and input from individual members are claimed by others. While team efforts generally belong to the team, avoid resentments by giving verbal credit to exemplary individual efforts. Also, watch out for individuals who try to take the credit for team efforts.
Team Not Needed
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There are times when a single individual can achieve a business goal more effectively than a team. This can occur when a particular individual has the knowledge and skills to achieve a particular goal and only needs a support staff. When teams are developed when individual leadership would be more effective, you could hear disgruntled team members express feelings that they are wasting their time attending team meetings.
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