People who work near each other (in an office etc.) can be either - a team or a group.
Whats the difference?
Team - a set of people, completing the same or similar tasks, in a close proximity to each other. Have overlapping work requirements and similar task knowledge is shared by all the group.
Group - a set of people, completing different tasks, within a work environment. Specialised work knowledge is required and one person completes their own set tasks.
Both groups require strong leaders, however each group will need to be led differently.
Teams - can be led in a more relational manner. Decisions tend to be more democratic and everyone hears what is going on together at the same time. This occurs more in new and smaller size workplaces.
Team goals and outcomes are set by the team.
Groups - can be led more in a one-to-one way. Decisions are made by the leader and the individual and then the rest of the group are told.
Individuals are held to account for their personal goals and performance outcomes.
This is one area that I have struggled to understand. In my memory no-one has ever explained the difference or the need to lead in different ways. It was such a relief for me to figure this out! My management style and focus - just went to another level!
Check out - Leadership Development Coaching for this interesting article on leading teams and groups.
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