6 myths about teambuilding

Do you recognize this feeling: I have heard about this idea rather often, therefore it must contain certain elements of truth. This is how quite some myths have established themselves in the management world. For instance, ‘who says that self-managing teams are that effective in the Dutch context?

Here some of the most well-known myths about teams and effectiveness.

1. Harmony helps

Myth: having as little conflict as possible helps to develop a strong team.

Reality: a multidimensional team that is able to manage its conflicts well, is more innovative and productive.

2. Constantly adding fresh talent to the team makes it more successful

Myth: changing the team around a lot, and bringing in new talent on a regular basis, ensures an innovative and fresh atmosphere.

Reality: the longer team-members are working together in an intact group, the more productive they become.

3. Bigger is better

Myth: bigger teams have more resources, and the more people with different backgrounds, the better the and the more well-rounded the solutions will be.

Reality: smaller teams are more effective, less frustrating for the team-members, and more stimulating.

               

4. Face to face interaction is not really needed anymore

Myth: thanks to all the new opportunities, which the internet and social media have presented us, team-members might just as well simply work at different locations.

Reality: team-members have to see and experience each other in the ‘real world’, at the beginning, during the project, and at its end. Face to face interaction is an absolute necessity to develop more effective teams.

5. Success depends nearly completely on the competences of the team-leader

Myth: the quality of the team-leader is absolutely essential for the success of a team.

Reality: 60% of the team-success depends upon the creation of optimal working-conditions. 30% of the team-success depends upon an optimal start. Barely 10% depends upon the leading competences of the team-leader.  

6. Teamwork is magic!

Myth: simply put some really competent people together, and let them do their thing, provide some basic conditions and they will be successful.

Reality: a top team that is delivering top work, needs excellent preparation, conditions and coaching, to be able to deliver that kind of results, and to stay on that high level.

These 6 points originate from J. Richard Hackman, Professor for Oorganisational Psychology at Harvard University, you can find them in his book, ‘Collaborative Intelligence’, Berrett-Koehler 2011.