Communication and leadership challenges in team project execution

Team Analysis

This team has a number of problems including a strong lack of communication, and perhaps the communication skills necessary to overcome that absence. Additionally, the leadership of the group is relatively weak in character, at least as a leader for this particular team. The team may have the collective, and individual, knowledge and expertise to accomplish the task that has been set before them, however, using that knowledge and experience seems to be completely hindered by the team's lack of cohesion. Although there seems to be a consensus among the team as to which design would work best for the project, no one seems to want to take the lead in asserting what is obvious to the team members. That is where good leadership skills can come in handy.

Team Strengths

The team as a group has a world of experience; academic and professional in nature. Gary, the leader, has successfully led other teams and completed other projects of similar nature. Ira and David, the two primary antagonists present an interesting challenge to Gary, while at the same time they offer the potential of creating great things together. This potential is another strength of the team, but only if it can be channeled in an effective manner. Other strengths of the team include the technical knowledge and skills that are displayed by the other team members. An additional team strength is that (individually) the team members can work well on their own without the need for a hovering supervisor watching over their shoulder every step along the way.

This strength is a huge advantage for Gary, as he can designate different areas of concern to each individual without having to worry about whether the task will be handled correctly, or not.

Team Weaknesses

The team also has a number of weaknesses that Gary should be addressing. One of the weaknesses however, is that Gary is torn between two paths, both of which has benefits and advantages, as well as drawbacks. The team seems to have a very submissive nature (except for David), who does not wish to submit to anyone, or accept anyone else's ideas as superior to his own. This submissive nature can oftentimes be discerned as acquiescence and acceptance, when in reality it may be that the submission is a way of avoiding confrontation. Again, the idea of a strong leader taking charge and making difficult decisions comes to mind. Gary should overcome this weakness, make the decision and then communicate the reasons for his choice in a clear and decisive manner. Many of the team members would rather work alone, than with a group. This lack of cohesion is also a team weakness that should be addressed. Perhaps the reasons for desiring to work alone, is because the team has not really been acclimated to one another. Team building exercises seem to be in need for this team (not just a small effort at the beginning -- but ongoing efforts throughout the entire project). The lack of cohesion is quite evident in the surveys completed by the team members. They rate themselves very high in quality work as individuals, but relatively low when it comes to overall team quality. One other weakness is the absence of team members looking to actively seek the input of other team members.

This weakness can be addressed with increased communication(s), which also can come through team building exercises.

Team Morale

It seems as if the team morale both individually and overall is suffering because of the lack of leadership on Gary's part. It, however, is not a situation that cannot be corrected. If Gary were to take charge, sit the team down individually and collectively and start the communication process so that each and every player knows and accepts his/her role, then the lack of cohesion and support would likely dissipate (although it might be a slow process). The team, except for perhaps Ira and David, already know the direction the project must go in. Gary, armed with this knowledge, should take the step necessary to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Increasing the team's morale can be done with a focus on completing one design on time and in an efficient manner. The focus would have to come from Gary.

Charts

The charts display exactly what has been written above. Chart two is quite clear in defining the knowledge of team members on the conflictive nature of the team. The members know that there is a conflict and understand that it is undermining the team's effort at completing the project. Exhibit three shows that the team members feel there is a lack of support, this could be due to Gary's lack of decision making and attempts to keeping both Ira and David happy. Exhibit four shows that the members don't blame themselves for the lack of creativity but do recognize overall that the creativity and productivity of the team is suffering.

Consensus

Finally, the team lacks a focus and sense of direction. Most of the team members recognize this fact, and it is up to Gary to provide that direction and focus that is currently lacking.