Team members will learn and grow as they work together.
Negative team members or malcontents are individuals who will come into the process already with a bad attitude and not agree with anything that is suggested. This can bring the entire team down. It is up to the team leader to reinforce the strengths of this individual and the purpose for his/her role on the team. The person should have the opportunity to address his/her concerns with an objective and non-judgmental environment. The leader should ask the person to give three reasons that are of most concern. Then narrow it to two, and finally to one. Then the leader can transfer to a more positive approach and ask the person to give ways to address the concerns. Positive group members keep an open mind about other individuals' suggestions, help with decision making, offer suggestions and share ideas,...
The team must see that the organization's leadership supports their work and results. In addition, the work that the team performs must be integrated into the organization's overall strategic plan and objectives. The team should be given the time required from their regular responsibilities, and not see this team time as a resource burden. The team must be given some direction, but the emphasis should be on self-direction.
A successful team shares leadership responsibilities, develops its own work plans, develops tangible work products and plans a schedule for when the work will be completed, shares leadership roles, are mutually responsible for the end product, are graded on the results achieved based on goals defined.
