Teamwork is essential for any successful Boy Scout Troop. Below are 5 Tips to Build an Effective Team:
1. Should You Lead or Follow?
An effective team needs a leader. Teams need someone to step forward to inspire others to achieve a goal. A leader doesn't need to be a certain age or have a special title. In addition, good leaders will also rely on the strengths of other team members, so they will also know when to follow, to support, and to encourage others to step forward.
2. Clearly Defined Roles & Responsibilities!
In the Troop, we have clear Troop roles and responsibilities outlined in our Troop Guide.
When forming a team (or a Patrol), be sure to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of those on your team. Does everybody know what to do? Does everybody know what they are expected to do?
3. Develop Your Team!
It is essential that your team members gets to know each other. As your team works together, you learn the various strengths and capabilities of your team - the real assets that each member brings to the table, those they leave behind and those yet to be developed! Bruce Tuckman first came up with the memorable phrase "forming, storming, norming, and performing", which describes four stages of team development.
4. Be Proactive with Feedback!
As the team works together, it is important to give and receive feedback. How are things going? Can things be improved? Feedback is the key to assuring any team is staying on track, but more importantly that it is improving each day. What can you and your team do better?
5. Acknowledge and Reward!
Take the time to give your teammates the proper accolades they've earned and deserve. When people are acknowledged, their work brings them greater satisfaction and becomes more purposeful. You must also take the time to celebrate success. Take a step-back and reflect on what you have accomplished and what you have learned throughout the journey!
In the video below, reflect on the differences between the two teams. What made one team better and faster than the other?
Yours in Scouting,
Mr. Cooper