Team Building cont'd - hdbk12020018

DOE-HDBK-1202-97

reinforced during on-the-job and simulator training. The proper mix and sequence of

approaches should be considered. Obtaining detailed knowledge of results over time can

help the individual organization learn which approaches will best meet its particular needs.

Team building goes beyond traditional skills training. The purpose is to get work done

better, and not simply to learn abstract concepts about groups or interpersonal dynamics.

Even when individuals possess strong team skills, they do not necessarily work well

together as a group. For this reason, intact work teams should go through the process

together. They develop and improve as a team by addressing actual issues of current

importance to the team.

Effective teams share several common characteristics.

They operate with well defined goals, objectives, and expectations

Members function interdependently with personal freedom to accomplish

assigned tasks

Decisions on complex situations are made on the basis of team member

input rather than on an individual basis

Information is shared freely

High standards are set and maintained.

Once established, an effective team requires constant maintenance. Previously developed

competencies can assist with learning new skills and with adaptation to changing

circumstances and unique situations. To maintain effective work teams, an environment

should be established to promote these characteristics. Teamwork should be established

through training on roles, relationships, and procedures and by using realistic scenarios

when conducting role-plays and exercises that require the team to define each member's

role in any situation and to identify the individual responsibilities towards the team.

To obtain a better functioning team, team building needs to take place on multiple levels. At

the individual level, individuals must have some level of teamwork skills. In addition,

managers, supervisors, trainers, and others in key leadership positions must learn and

consistently demonstrate effective teamwork skills. At the group level, teams learn to