8 Comparisons between Groups & Teams
Groups vs. Teams
A leader will emerge as a team gathers to
accomplish any sort of objective. A handful of key principles will assist a
leader to lay a good foundation for his or her personal leadership style.
The leader should also understand the phases of a developing team, understand what is required to keep the team on track. A working knowledge of the
difference between a group and a team will help the leader identify where the
team is in the development process.

·
Groups are motivated but
directionless, whereas Teams are motivated and have a clear direction, with
clear goals.
·
Groups mull around with no
leader, with no specific role for each individual. Teams are defined by the
fact that each member has a specific role with clearly defined
responsibilities.
·
Individuals are drawn to a
group by their loyalty to a cause, where a team member is selected for
individual skills and abilities that can assist the team to accomplish specific
outcomes.

·
Rapport exists between group
members but no trust is formed. Team members have the opportunity to test
rapport and develop trust.
·
Group individuals are focused
on themselves, whereas teams are focused on the team and the achievement of the
objectives.
·
Discipline within a group is
often controlled and monitored by external forces and influences (such as
police or stadium ushers). Teams are responsible for their own discipline which
is managed from within.

The fans are excited, and demonstrate by
signing team songs in chorus. The crowd is motivated and expectant. Yet, no one
in the crowd has a specific role or title that relates to a function within the
group. No one in the crowd is present because they were selected for skills or
past achievements. They are there to support their team – on an emotional
level. There is no leader. There is no goal or objective, but there is an
expectation for their team to win.

Think about how very different this is to
the players on the field. The soccer players are a team, united by a common
cause, but share a common objective or vision – to win the game. What does the
team do differently? What impact does this difference have on their abilities
and performances? Identifying if the people you have brought together function
as a group or as a team will be such simpler, and will highlight your role as a
leader – make a team!
More Reading on Team Development
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