Building Effective Online Teams: Development, Diversity & Charter

Introduction

Merriam-Webster (2011) defines "effective" as accomplishing a purpose. However, before a team can become effective, it must be formed with the right members who are committed to the cause. Teams are developed in hopes of achieving a diverse group of participants with a vested interest in reaching set goals. Team development requires progression through distinct stages, thereby preparing the team for performance. With diversity, teams may capitalize on individual strengths and offset weaknesses to achieve innovation through different perspectives and ideas. By documenting expectations, teams are held accountable. Therefore, teams may achieve effectiveness through three cooperative learning elements: team development, team diversity, and a team charter.

To attain team effectiveness online, teams must be formed and progress through certain stages to reach performance and productivity (Wienclaw, 2010). In 1965, Tuckman developed a group development model illustrating a natural progression that teams may experience (Bonebright, 2010). In 1977, Tuckman and Jensen modified the model to reflect a team's adjourning at the end of a project.

Team Development: Positive Climate

Initially, teams are forming; then many experience storming, often due to becoming acclimated to a new group. Next, teams may experience norming as bonds are being developed. Once bonds and commitment are established, the team begins performing through collective efforts to reach established goals. After goals have been achieved, some teams may encounter adjourning.

Since Tuckman's model in 1965, several variations have been tailored to fit particular fields. Various experts have noted limitations in the Tuckman model. Although researchers agree that all stages are present during team development, the point at which storming or conflict occurs has varied across studies. Such observations suggest that the process is not necessarily linear. Teams may vacillate between storming, norming, and performing depending on assigned tasks, desired goals, the longevity of the team, and members' diversity considerations (Bonebright, 2010).

Team Diversity: Group Cohesiveness

As organizations have become more diverse, individuals increasingly find themselves working with people who vary in terms of background, physical ability, culture, ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs, education, economic status, sexual orientation, political views, values, goals, ideas, and knowledge base. Diversity training is now offered by many large companies as a way of ensuring that employees understand the importance of individual differences and how to manage them effectively.

Diversity and sensitivity training represent one of many conflict-prevention techniques that serve as a proactive strategy for conflicts that may arise among team members. Other prevention techniques include open communication, conflict management training, resource allocation, communication using "I" language, managing others' expectations, and focusing on others first. In an online environment, this process occurs quickly through interaction and the completion of a team charter that establishes shared teamwork expectations.

Conclusion

Teams may achieve effectiveness and efficiency through three cooperative learning elements: team development, team diversity, and a team charter. Development requires progression through stages, thereby preparing the team for performance. Diversity can truly be a powerful asset — in short, the sum of the whole is greater than its individual parts, encapsulated by the idea that 2+2=5. Establishing a team charter is paramount to creating a cohesive and diverse team committed to achieving goals through collaborative effort.

Working with teams can be challenging, especially when contribution levels are imbalanced. A team cannot force a member to participate or to carry his or her weight. Timely communication is essential when dealing with performance issues. It is therefore important for each member to understand their personal intelligence style and how it may affect the team's effectiveness and efficiency in achieving the online team's goals.