e encouraged to express their emotions when it is healthy and normal to do so, especially if it will illuminate their perception or perspective on an issue. Aggressiveness and non-assertiveness are not acceptable behaviors in teams. People who dissent or are unhappy with the way the group is working should be supported in what they say, even if other team members do not agree. No one gets punished for speaking out. When conflicts between members are prolonged or intense, other team members should step in to help resolve them. The fourth characteristic is flexibility. Group members are flexible, and they perform different task. The responsibility for team development and leadership is shared. The strengths of each member are identified and used and individual efforts are coordinated when necessary. The team is fluid and open to both opinions and feelings. Members recognize the inevitability and desirability of change and adapt to changing conditions. Organization practices are responsive to changes, demands, and team needs. The fifth characteristic is optimal productivity. Teams produce significant results. Critical success factors for the organization are clear. There is a commitment to high standards and quality results. They get the job done, meet deadlines, and achieve goals. The team has developed effective decision-making and problem solving methods that result in achieving optimum results and encourage participation and creativity. Members have developed strong skills in group process as well as task accomplishment. Recognition and appreciation is the next attribute. When team members have accomplished what you have asked them to, reward them. An organization should recognize both the individual and team contributions simultaneously. For example, when a teams project is finished, the members can be publicly praised as a group for their work and additional individual praise can be given to top performance. M...
