Team Dynamics

Every group or team operates at different levels and has separate needs. One of the continuing problems one faces in attempting to increase the effectiveness and productivity of a group is that of becoming aware of the relation of the group's structure and dynamics to its task performance.

Task Level: Most groups have some task confronting them, and exist primarily to carry out that task. Frequently, they are so mindful of the need to accomplish this task that they are unaware of the other levels of need which are operating simultaneously - the group maintenance level and the individual needs level.

Maintenance Level: This is maintaining the relationships in the group at a level where all members feel safe enough to freely and creatively contribute to the task at hand. As people work together on a task, they are also doing something with and to (and sometimes at) each other. Consequently, a group consists of a constantly changing network of interactions and relationships. A group needs to have a growing awareness of itself as a team, and to face the need for maintaining the relationships within it if the tasks are to be accomplished effectively.

Individual Needs Level: Every individual member brings to a group a particular set of personal needs which encroach upon the group and its task. These needs are frequently out of each person's awareness. When they are not met, group members will behave in ways which attempt to get their needs met. This behavior and lack of incentives can slow down the group's task unless it is addressed. Failure to meet individual needs leads people into withdrawal and nonparticipation. At which point those members' input is lost to the group. Individual needs are frequently well hidden beneath the task driven group, or behind well developed behavior patterns. Briefly, when a person enters a group they need to know the following:

Can I say what I really think?
How free am I to really be me here?
Will I fit with this group?
Who am I in this group?
What do I have to offer?
What do people here expect I have to offer?
Who is calling the shots here?

Most of us have been rather well trained to focus our energy and attention on the task. We tend to ignore the other two levels except when they are shouting for attention and the one who shouts the loudest is heard.

When the task, maintenance, and individual needs levels are in balance, the group becomes markedly more effective and productive.

For a group to operate effectively, functions must be performed at both the task and maintenance levels. Note that group leadership is a set of functional levels of philosophy, policy, strategy, tactical, logistical, and/or behaviors rather than a role. Thus, the officially designated leader is not the only one with responsibility for group productivity. Any group member can and should perform any of these group leadership functions.

Team Dynamics

The 3 Levels of Group Operation