The Real Benefits of Team Working

Simon Roskrow says 22 February 2010

Very clear, consise and practical explanation of the benefits of teamwork.

One of the most interesting aspects for me is what can happen when the “Creates more ideas” aspect of teamwork goes wrong. Two major challenges often rear their ugly heads:

1) There is a degree of paralysis, as the team has too much idea generation and not enough decision making. This can either be driven by a genuine lack of certainty about the right route to take, people holding on too firmly to their own ideas and not allowing anything else to influence them, or simply a lack of desire to make the decision – either because the investigation would then be over (and the team might be enjoying it), or because “there is always new information around the corner”.

2) Conflict appears. The wonderful, creative spirit of a team can turn sour if not managed well. I’ve seen a many examples (and been able to catch a few just in time) where different styles, perspectives and approaches have threatened to break – or actually broken – a team. The issue here tends to be one of “how fundamental” is the disagreement…does it go to the core of who we are and what we do, or is it more tactical / executional?

Great stuff Duncan – thanks.

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