advocacy

A method of decision making in which various possible solutions are proposed and neutrally debated by the members of a team. Advocacy is not the most productive decision making method because it pits the team against itself.

autonomous

Being able to function alone without management intervention. Being autonomous can be good for a team, but can also lead to many problems if not carefully handled.

collective goal

A goal that requires more than one person to complete. Making a single product is a collective goal for a team because the team members must work together to reach the goal.

commander

The role assumed by a team leader who issues orders to team members instead of working with them. Team leaders should avoid co-opting the role of commander.

group

Any number of people put together in a work environment without the benefit of a unifying collective goal.

guide

The role assumed by a team leader who works alongside team members to achieve goals. Team leaders should strive to be guides.

inquiry

A method of decision making in which a team comes together to propose solutions to a problem. Inquiry is productive because each team member is encouraged to suggest advantages and disadvantages to each proposed solution.

liaison

An additional role for a team leader to act as a communicator between the team and other groups.

mutual accountability

The element of a good team that requires that all team members are held equally responsible.

open communication

The element of a good team in which the free exchange of ideas and objections is encouraged.

recorder

A team member whose role is to take notes at meetings and give copies to everyone else on the team.

reframe

To change how people view a conflict to allow for different approaches to that conflict.

specific team purpose

The element of a good team that requires the team to have a set and detailed goal that the whole team knows and works towards.

team

Any group of people that works closely together to accomplish a collective goal.

team leader

The person put in charge of guiding the team.

time keeper

A team member whose role is to keep meetings on track and on time.