Danielle,
Employers usually provide such guidelines to ensure consistency and predictable outcomes. The structure is usually very sound. If you experience problems that impede decision making you should discuss with your immediate boss. If possible, offer enhancements or improvements to the current process. Any structure should be flexible enough to accommodate positive process improvements.
Ron Obstfeld
I have found that the biggest team problem we have is how limited we are with decision making while following coporate standards. It may be hard to always follow the exact steps a team should follow, however, it's vital to follow the specific guidelines, since they are the employer.
Paul,
This might not just be a team problem. You may need to consider counseling for professional development for the team members you described.This type of behavior is destructive to a team, project and/or department/
Ron Obstfeld
A big challenge I have seen with teams is when team members do not respect the capabilities or opinions of other members. This is where active listening and even outside moderation can help. Remind the team members of the overall goals of the group.
Irwin,
I agree. The key is to work with the individual and the other team members toward the team's common goals. This should prove to be a valuable lesson around working with people with diverse points of view....just like in real life.
Ron Obstfeld
Some times teams are formed randomly and without consideration of experience or common goals. You may want to consider enriching the team experience and outcome by inviting team members that have a contrary point of view. This combination often forces the team to think more diversely. It is then critical for the team leader to ensure this dynamic is managed as to not damage the team outcomes.
I would suggest that when team members don't share common goals, progress may be impeded. It's quite natural for people to have their own agendas, or to strive for goals that don't necessarily align with that the team is aiming to achieve. It becomes imperative for team leaders to clearly establish team goals, and to ensure that team members buy into those goals. When members possess a sense of ownership of the goals, they will be more inclined to work together for the common aims. Should certain team members fail to re-align their goals with those of the team, then the team leader is obligated to work individually with those people to reach an understanding about why team outcomes are more important than individual outcomes.
