During the virtual meeting session, Sandra referred back to the ground rules the
team set in their face-to-face meeting and worked with the team to ensure that
there was a plan in place for how decisions are made on the team and who has
responsibility for making decisions.
Over the next few weeks, Sandra noticed that arguments/disagreements were at a
minimum and when they did occur, they were worked out quickly, by the team,
without her involvement being necessary. Still, she monitored how things were
going and held regular virtual meetings to ensure the team was moving in the
right direction. On a monthly basis, Sandra brings the team together for a face-
to- face meeting. As the working relationships of the team members started
improving, Sandra started seeing significant progress on the project.
All is Going Smoothly (Stage 3: Norming)
The team has now been working together for nearly 3 months. There is definitely
a sense of teamwork among the group. There are few arguments and
disagreements that can't be resolved among the team. They support each other on
the project - problem solving issues, making decisions as a team, sharing
information and ensuring that the ground rules put in place for the team are
followed.
Additionally, the team members are helping each other to grow and develop their
skills. For example, Ameya has worked closely with Sarah to teach her many of
the skills he has learned in database design and development and she has been
able to take the lead on accomplishing some of the components of their aspect of
the project.
Overall, the team members are becoming friends. They enjoy each other's
company - both while working on the project and after hours via communicating
on email, via instant messaging, on Twitter, or over the telephone.
Significant Progress is Made! (Stage 4: Performing)
The team is now considered a " high performing team. " It wasn't easy getting to
this stage but they made it! They are working effectively as a group - supporting
each other and relying on the group as a whole to make decisions on the project.
They can brainstorm effectively to solve problems and are highly motivated to
reach the end goal as a group. When there is conflict on the team - such as a
disagreement on how to go about accomplishing a task - the group is able to work
it out on their own without relying on the team leader to intervene and make
decisions for them. The more junior members - Donna and Sarah - have really
developed their skills with the support and help of the others. They have taken on
leadership roles for some components of the project.
Sandra checks in with the team - praising them for their hard work and their
progress. The team celebrates the milestones reached along the way. When
necessary, Sandra provides a link from the team to the executives for decisions
that need to come from higher up or when additional support is needed.