Managing Individual Performance
Work teams are vital to many companies' work structure. Some companies' success relies on excellence in team performance. A high performing team is well designed in its selection, development and management. While there is no perfect formula or recipe for the best possible team, there are guidelines or criteria by which a team leader can select the team members. In identifying strategies to be used to develop the most effective teams, Nurick (1993) suggests that informed selection, skill development, conflict management and leadership appreciation are crucial in the foundation of team development. Interpersonal skills are important when considering potential team members. Since in most cases teams are assembled based on individual technical expertise, team members must be open and tolerant to receiving new information. They need to be able to have an appreciation for a variety of perspectives. These interpersonal skills will be valuable in minimizing team conflict and supporting the need for mutual respect. Fowler points out that a team's "members should have a variety of personal styles in order to fill the different roles that are involved in effective teamworking." (Fowler, 1995. Specifically, the following skills and talents should be represented in an effective team: good listening and communication, especially active listening; assertiveness; collaboration; innovation; willingness to expand beyond status quo, and a positive attitude.
Many companies today use the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) to help understand the relationship between various personality types. Employees can better understand how they process experiences based on their personality makeup. Managers, using the MBTI in team development can ...