Working Together Teamwork Puzzle Concept, Scott Maxwell, Flickr

“A group becomes a team when each member is sure enough of himself
and his contribution to praise the skills of the others.”
– Norman Shidle

Most people participate in some form of a team or group on a regular basis. This happens through recreation in the realm of sports and clubs. This happens on the job as people come together to get things done within organizations.

Although you likely have been part of both groups and teams in the past, do you understand the difference? What are the key distinctions between a group and a team?

Defining Teams

Larson and LaFasto describe three basic characteristics of teams.

1. Two or more people
2. Specific performance objective or recognizable goal to be attained
3. Coordination of activity among the members of the team is required for attainment of the team goal or objective

Independent or…