Reading 5- Law & Glover 2000

Yes Sheena there are going to be lots of words to read....sorry!
Team leadership is the only form of leadership acceptable in a society where power is shared and so many people are near equals. (Belbin 1993:107)
I just love that quote. It really sums up leadership in schools quite well.
Defining differences
6 factors as defined by Adair (1986)
1. a definable membership
2. Group consciousness
3. A sense of shared purpose
4. Interdependence
5. Interaction
6. ability to act in a unitary manner

In this reading a good meaning for group and team were given. I like many people just used to 2 terms interchangeably.
Group- 2 or more people working together.
Team- a deliberately constructed group where there is a clear focus on its processes and level of performance, have a sense of 'team-identification, have interconnecting and interdependent functions.

The route to team cohesion is likely to be both traumatic and problematic. Schutz (1966) identifies 3 stages of concern - 1. Inclusion 2. Control. 3. Affection

Teams often pull in different directions because their purpose is unclear.
Team Building Issues
Team building may be hindered by head teachers...( and don't we all know a head teacher who falls into this category???)
Conformity and Group norms
There are 2 kinds of pressure that push people to conformity according to Deutsch and Gerrard (1955). 1. Informational pressure.
2. Normative pressure
Teams, Roles and Performance
Most of the research revolves around identifying factors capable of improving team performance.
3 features to be aware of when working in a team.
1. Expectations
2. Functions
3.complexities

A group of high achievers don't necessarily make the best team. The most successful teams have a complementary range of skills.
according to Belbin's useful people to have in a team I am of no use to anyone as I don't seem to fit the criteria for a good team member no matter how hard I try. The closest I could come was the 'team worker' although I don't always promote harmony in a team....

I found it interesting that Murgatroyd (is that a real name???) and Gray found that classrooms largely act as mirrors of the organisation of the school as a whole. Isn't that the truth. When the boss is snappy and demanding the pressure flows into the classroom and the teacher gets snappy and demanding with the children, however when the school is positive and friendly this to overflows into the classroom.
Without effective communication, team cohesion has little chance.

Think I might go and reflect a bit on our group assignment because I really don't want to let my group down by not being a useful team member....