Teams & Groupwork

Leadership theorist, John Adair, emphasizes three overlapping areas that need attention for a team to work effectively:

1. Task = getting the job done
2. Team = building and maintaining the group
3. Individual = supporting each person

The task brings individuals together to form a team; individuals work together to complete the task; and individuals learn from the task and the team. The three circles overlap to show that these areas are interconnected. An effective team will keep these needs in balance.

According to Adair, strong teamwork requires addressing all three elements. If one is neglected, the team will struggle to function optimally. For example, if individuals feel unsupported, the team suffers, and the task may not be achieved. A good leader or group keeps all three in balance to maximise performance and satisfaction.

• When individuals come together to complete a task, Adair emphasizes that it is a clear goal shared by all members that makes them a team.
• The task will only be successfully completed if all members of the team work together for the common good. Therefore, the team itself has to be understood as an entity in its own right.
• While the team will take on a life of its own, individuals do not lose their own identity. Their needs as people must continue to be met if their allegiance to the group, and their motivation to achieve the task, is to be sustained.

According to Adair, effective teamwork requires addressing the needs of all three elements: task, team, and individuals. Throughout your project, check whether your team is balancing these three areas. If conflicts arise or motivation drops, it may indicate that one area is being neglected.

Task: Actions to get the task done include:

• agreeing a clear goal and objectives
• organising roles and responsibilities
• managing timelines and deadlines, etc.

 
Team: Actions at the group level to encourage effective teamwork and group cohesion include:

• sharing the workload
• interacting and communicating effectively
• supporting each other to achieve the task

 
Individual: Actions that address each team member's unique needs include:

• paying attention to and dealing sensitively with how each person is behaving and feeling
• and in the University context, how each person is achieving learning objectives and meeting assessment criteria

The Team Project Planning Wizard can be used by a team to discuss these overlapping needs.