Team+Building


 * __Team Building __**

Once the team has been selected, the task at hand is to make a group of individuals into a team. The potential of global teams is limitless given that the right foundation is created from which the team can grow. This foundation is achieved through team building. Building the team cohesion or “teamness” is a key part of ensuring that the team achieves its potential. Team cohesion can only be fostered through the development of trust relationships within the team. A focus on team building establishes trust.

In the first week following formation of Teal, we introduced ourselves and shared our personal and professional information with the team. Three of the four members of Teal had met and spent three days together prior to team formation. This was an advantage as we were able to relate to each other using the knowledge gained through face to face communication. As we worked through tasks associated with our project we communicated synchronously through weekly calls. Speaking to each other added depth to our relations and contributed to the feeling of connection and trust throughout the project.

Language training can be a crucial aspect of team building. For those teams operating in English, some members from other language backgrounds may be qualified in English as a second language, but may not be entirely comfortable reading or speaking the language. Additional language training shows sensitivity to this potential and gives team members an opportunity to build their skills in a safe environment. This will improve communication through the team as it enables everyone to be on the same page.

In the case of newly acquired talent from diverse cultural backgrounds, who is responsible for adapting their working style? Should the new hires in the new cultural setting be expected to adapt completely to the ways of the organization and the culture to which they have thrown themselves into, or should the team work to adapt to the newcomers? In an ideal world, the new team ecology would fuse to make something better than the sum of its parts. Failing that Laroche (2006) gives a baseline, “the newcomer should be responsible for 80 percent of the adaptation and the existing employees 20 percent.”

Cultural awareness training puts the team on a level playing field. Being aware of the cultural backgrounds of each of the team members can help the team understand the individuals’ needs as well as the unique attributes that they bring. What is effective in one culture may not be as effective in another. This training prepares the team to work effectively and efficiently together. Building a strong cross cultural team impacts the bottom line as the organization benefits from the productivity of a strong team.//**

Skills and Strategies for Team Building **//

In the current recessionary environment, organizations may be feeling the pressure to cut projects seen as soft, such as cross cultural skills training. Particularly in organizations experiencing workforce reduction, it is important to consider the benefit as there are less people to do the same amount of work. Though the benefit can be difficult to quantify, it is of no less value.

Many global teams, particularly in large multinationals, are also geographically dispersed. This creates an added challenge for team building. Consideration for richness of communication enables the team to work together more effectively. We will discuss in further detail through the technology section but ultimately the team needs to have appropriate communication mechanisms available that will allow them to not only communicate regarding tasks, but also to understand each other, including one another’s weaknesses and strengths. Using instant messaging for example with web cams and the opportunity to connect via voice adds communication depth and simulates face-to-face communication by adding the ability to read body language.

In order to build a true team, build boundaries and bridges around the team, not the individual. Use culture training to understand the individual’s background and then allow the team to become a whole unit, in and of themselves. Assist the team in establishing a foundation, organizationally, culturally, and technologically.

Organizationally, enable the team to develop the necessary relationships within the organization. Ensure that the communication channels are open from the team to the necessary members of the organization and from the feeders in the organization into the team. Culturally, do the training. Keep conscious of any issues with a cultural root in the team. Deal with issues as they arise and expect issues to arise. Technologically, develop rich communication media for the team to interact with; this is particularly important with teams who are geographically dispersed as they do not have the benefit of face-to-face interaction on a daily basis.

Dedicate time to team building. Do not just provide the team the tools and tell them to go at it. Investing in a cross cultural team will pay dividends, just as in any team in the early stages of development. In terms of team building exercises, focus on a common challenge allowing the opportunity to use diverse skill sets. **//Strategies and Skills //** ·  Build boundaries and bridges around the team. Ensure that the team has the adequate support and is oriented with where to go for help. Ensure that the trust is in place within the team to open lines of communication. ·  Understand and communicate the value of intercultural team building. Team cohesion improves productivity. Productivity translates into additional value for the organization. ·  Consider the richness of communication technology. Ensure that the right communication technologies are in place for the type of work the group is completing. ||