Forces That Drive Team Dynamics

Running head: FORCES THAT DRIVE TEAM DYNAMICS

Forces That Drive Team Dynamics

Carmen Zamora

University of Phoenix

Forces That Drive Team Dynamics

Being in a team can be a rewarding experience or it can turn out to be a living nightmare. There are many factors to consider when looking at what forces are crucial to team dynamics. An outstanding film that gives you a feel of what defines a team is, "Goal: The Dream Begins" directed by Danny Cannon and starring Kuno Becker. This film, that is filled with energy and inspiration puts the topic of "Team Dynamics" into a much bigger perspective with great depth on how each individual with their own virtues can come together and become that great team in the sport of soccer. A successful team does not just happen overnight, it is a gradual process of trial and error that requires a purpose or goal, a great leader, a sense of self from each team member, and the ability to trust and be trusted. To have good team dynamics and a strong winning team you must take into account these factors to begin building on a solid foundation.

The solid foundation starts with a common purpose or goal amongst the team members. Every individual that forms a component of the team must come together and take part in establishing clear goals that will drive them to success. According to Adelard Steel, "A truly productive team will understand itself and communicate freely. It will have decided on a common purpose with which every member is happy and will constantly review its performance (Adelard Steel Business Processes and Web Technology, 1998-2001). This involves taking responsibility in doing what is required of each individual. It is crucial that team members are given the opportunity to speak what is on each one's minds. The team should make it a priority to uncover hidden talents amongst the team members that will be beneficial to the team as a whole. It is important that every single member never work against each other but strive to work with each other toward their shared goal(s). Any negative force that threatens the team's success redirects itself into something positive as long as team members share the same purpose. To help in attaining the team's goals, the team must identify a team leader.

A leader is someone who can motivate, guide, and bring out the best in each team member. "Leadership is essential in modern business - no matter how many modern management techniques you have at your disposal, leadership qualities are still required to cause things to happen" (Adelard Steel Business Processes and Web Technology, 1998-2001). There are many qualities to look for when choosing a team leader. These qualities include leadership skills, an honest and strong character, be human and therefore imperfect, and a long-run commitment to their teammates. A leader must be willing to surrender their ego and be at the service of their team members. In the book of Mathew, in the Bible, it reads, "So the last will be first and the first will be last" (Bible Gateway, 1973, 1978, 1984, 20:16). Possessing this quality is crucial to a great team leader. It is important to put the needs of the group before your own. When a team leader shows them self as unselfish, then the group learns to develop a sense of trust. Another important quality that a team leader needs is to be a good role model for the rest of the members. This signifies being responsible, following rules, making the right decisions, and showing respect for what others have to say. The leader is not the only person who has to show necessary skills to ensure a successful team.

A sense of self and identifying what skills are useful in achieving complete success from every individual is an important factor. According to DeFleur, Kearney, and Plax, "Each of us, no matter what our gender, race, ethnic identity, cultural background, age, body shape, educational background, and so on, has a long list of favorable characteristics that will be of genuine interest to others. The real task is to understand those attributes and to demonstrate them in appropriate ways through verbal and nonverbal communication (DeFleur,