Name: Nitika
Roll no: 23/PSY/55
Paper: DSE- Group Dynamics in Organisations
Assignment
Kind of team
This is a cross-functional team as it brings together individuals with diverse expertise, including
logistics, marketing, medical coordination, and volunteer management, to work collaboratively
toward a common objective: organizing a successful blood donation drive. Each sub-team is
responsible for specific tasks but must coordinate closely with others to ensure seamless event
execution, from venue setup to promotional outreach and donor safety. This approach leverages
the specialized knowledge of each team member while fostering collaboration across functional
boundaries. By integrating different perspectives and skills, the team enhances problem-solving
capabilities and ensures a comprehensive and efficient approach to achieving its goals.
Challenges during team formation
During team formation, there were several challenges due to role confusion, communication
gaps, and different work styles. At the start, many of us were unsure about our specific roles and
who we should report to, which led to confusion and slowed down our progress. This lack of
clarity also caused overlapping tasks and made it difficult to make decisions smoothly. We also
struggled with conflicting ideas and found it hard to reach common agreements, leading to
frustration when some voices were not fully heard. The team had a mix of working styles - some
people were very organized and took the lead quickly, while others were more relaxed and
needed reminders to stay on track. This created an imbalance, as some team members spoke up
more, while others were hesitant to share their ideas. Additionally, since many of us didn’t know
each other well, it took time to build trust and good communication, which affected our ability to
work together smoothly. This lack of connection sometimes made it hard to stay focused on our
common goal.
Opportunities
Despite the challenges, this provided valuable opportunities for our cross-functional team. Strong
leadership and effective mediators played a crucial role in resolving conflicts and encouraging
open communication. The diversity of skills and perspectives within the team enriched our
problem-solving approach and promoted inclusive collaboration. As team members became
more comfortable sharing their ideas, participation became more balanced, creating a positive
and supportive atmosphere. Additionally, navigating these challenges helped us recognize the
importance of clear roles and effective communication, ultimately strengthening our teamwork.
How can we improve and make a better team
To improve and build a stronger team, we can implement several strategies based on the lessons
learned during team formation:
1. Clarify Roles and Responsibilities: One of the main challenges was confusion around
roles. To prevent this in the future, it’s important to clearly define each team member's
responsibilities from the beginning. This will reduce overlap, streamline
decision-making, and ensure everyone understands how their work contributes to the
team’s success.
2. Strengthen Communication: Communication gaps were another hurdle. To address
this, we should establish more structured communication practices, such as regular
check-ins and a central platform for updates. This ensures everyone stays aligned and
creates an environment where all voices are heard, fostering more inclusive collaboration.
3. Utilize Team Diversity: The variety of skills and perspectives within the team was a
major strength. To make the most of this, we should encourage more cross-functional
discussions and collaboration. By giving team members from different areas more
opportunities to share their expertise, we can enhance problem-solving and innovation.
4. Ensure Clear Leadership: Effective leadership played a key role in resolving
conflicts. It’s important to maintain a clear leadership structure, ensuring that decisions
are made efficiently and that conflicts are addressed promptly. A strong leader can also
help encourage equal participation from all members and keep the team focused on
shared objectives.
5. Build Trust Through Team-Building: Since many team members were unfamiliar
with each other at first, investing time in team-building activities will be crucial moving
forward. These activities can foster stronger relationships, better communication, and
mutual trust, which will ultimately improve collaboration and teamwork.
6. Adapt to Different Work Styles: Recognizing that team members have varying work
styles is essential. Some are highly organized, while others may need more guidance or
reminders. Being flexible and offering support where necessary will help ensure everyone
is contributing effectively and working at their best.
By focusing on these areas, the team can strengthen its collaboration, improve its
communication, and work more efficiently together, leading to better results in future projects.
