Effective Task Forces: Roles, Dynamics, and Techniques
Task Forces
1. Benefits of Teamwork
Teamwork offers several advantages:
- Facilitates tasks that individuals cannot accomplish alone.
- Solves problems faster through diverse perspectives.
- Improves work quality.
- Reduces individual physical and mental strain.
- Increases tolerance and understanding.
- Boosts motivation and job satisfaction.
- Accelerates learning.
- Encourages creativity.
- Enhances organizational knowledge and provides transferable experience.
2. The Leader’s Role
- Defines the strategy and path to success.
- Sets goals.
- Chairs meetings and discussions.
- Mediates conflicts and discourages personal grudges.
- Leads by example.
- Motivates the group and fosters a sense of shared responsibility.
3. Task-Oriented Role
- Focuses on technical processes.
- Emphasizes practical solutions and results.
- Prioritizes professionalism and efficiency.
- Values clear and concise communication.
4. Cohesion-Oriented Role
- Energizes meetings and fosters positive interactions.
- Builds rapport and shows personal interest in team members.
- Promotes harmony and inclusivity.
- Organizes social events.
- Shares news and updates.
- Supports and empathizes with team members facing challenges.
5. Hidden Agendas
Examples of hidden agendas:
- Negativity and pessimism (“That will not work.”)
- Undermining colleagues (“Other people would do better.”)
- Criticizing the organization (“This company is a disaster.”)
- Disrespecting authority (“The chiefs are there to annoy.”)
- Recurring negativity (“Again, the heavy guy”)
6. Purposes of Working Groups
- Production: Teams work together to complete specific tasks, forming departments and units.
- Troubleshooting: Project teams analyze and address specific issues.
- Conflict Resolution: Negotiation groups focus on resolving disputes.
- Change and Organizational Development: Advocacy and training groups facilitate change and growth.
7. Vertical and Horizontal Differentiation
Vertical Differentiation
- Directive Planning (Strategic Apex): Sets the overall context for other groups.
- Middle Management (Middle Line): Develops and monitors policies based on strategic plans.
- Operational Core (Employees and Non-Managerial Workers): Carries out tasks and reports to middle management.
Horizontal Differentiation
- Specialized Service Groups: Provide expertise in areas like production or research.
- Temporary Committees: Formed for specific advisory or decision-making purposes.
8. Stages of Group Formation
- Initial Stage: Members experience uncertainty and adjust their expectations.
- Conflict Stage: Individual expectations clash with group realities, potentially leading to disagreements or isolation.
- Development Stage: Successes build cohesion and improve productivity.
- Work Stage: The group becomes autonomous and productive, adapting to changes and achieving goals.
9. Group Action Techniques
Skit or Role-Playing
Members dramatize real situations to explore reactions and feelings.
Phillips 66
Large groups break into smaller groups of six to discuss a topic for six minutes, then share their findings.
Brainstorming
Groups generate a large number of original ideas without criticism, then select the most promising solutions.