WFED880:

Lesson 1: Introduction and Understanding Group and Team Facilitation

Conditions for Real Teams

In Figure 1.2 (below) Hackman (2002) offers distinct identification of five basic conditions that must exist if a group is to be considered a team.

Real existence

Teams cannot exist in name only. Real teams are groups of people who actually work together to achieve a common set of objectives (and who don't just “wear the team button”).

A compelling direction

Team members need to understand and embrace a shared purpose.

Enabling structures

Teams involve the right number and kind of people focused on the right tasks, governed by the right norms and shared values.

A supportive organization

Everything must facilitate success, including the structure of the systems, processes, and reward systems.

Expert coaching

Engaged and knowledgeable guidance is a key component of team success.

Pay particular attention to #5, as it relates to facilitation, which will be the focus of this course.

1. “Teams must be real.” Teams cannot exist in name only. Real teams are groups of people who actually work together to achieve a common set of objectives (and who don't just "wear the team button").
2. “Teams need a compelling direction.” Team members need to understand and embrace a shared purpose.
3. “Teams need enabling structures.” Teams involve the right number and kind of people focused on the right tasks, governed by the right norms and shared values.
4. “Teams need a supportive organization.” Everything must facilitate success, including the structure of the systems, processes, and reward systems.
5. “Teams need expert coaching.” Engaged and knowledgeable guidance is a key component of team success.

Reference