PM-Team

Definition of a team:
"A team is a group organized to work together to accomplish a set of objectives that cannot be achieved effectively by individuals."

Three (3) Types of teams:
1.Executive Model
-Small teams of 3-8
-All district managers
-No constituent or stakeholder involvement
Advantages: quick, focused, consensus among leaders Disadvantages: isolated, no district-side ownership

2.District Model
-Mid-size team of 15-20
-Reperesentatives form each key stakeholder group within the 'boundries' of district staff
Advantages: key representatives are involved, sense of district-wide ownership
Disadvantages: representatives can take the narrow view, no community-side ownership

3.Community Model
-Large team of 25-30
-Mix of district staff and community leaders (50:50 preferred)
Advantages: key district community leaders involved, sense of community-wide ownership
Disadvantages: slow process, everyone needs to be heard, steep learning curve as citizens become knowledgeable about issues and practices

Characteristics of a Team
-There must be an awareness of unity on the part of all its members.
-There must be interpersonal relationship. Members must have a chance to contribute, learn from and work with others.
-The member must have the ability to act together toward a common goal.

Ten characteristics of well-functioning teams:
1. Purpose: Members proudly share a sense of why the team exists and are invested in accomplishing its mission and goals.
2. Priorities: Members know what needs to be done next, by whom, and by when to achieve team goals.
3. Roles: Members know their roles in getting tasks done and when to allow a more skillful member to do a certain task.
4. Decisions: Authority and decision-making lines are clearly understood.
5. Conflict: Conflict is dealt with openly and is considered important to decision-making and personal growth.
6. Personal traits: members feel their unique personalities are appreciated and well utilized.
7. Norms: Group norms for working together are set and seen as standards for every one in the groups.
8. Effectiveness: Members find team meetings efficient and productive and look forward to this time together.
9. Success: Members know clearly when the team has met with success and share in this equally and proudly.
10. Training: Opportunities for feedback and updating skills are provided and taken advantage of by team members.