There are several significant distinctions between a group and a team. A group is typically a collective number of people who have come together for a variety of different reasons. Usually, the members of the group are focused on their own interests rather than the common good of the group. A team, however, is typically comprised of a collective number of individuals who have come together to advance the team as a unit and who share the same goals. Carefully review the traits of each model:

GROUP:

• Focus is on current goals
• Reactive to upper management
• Involvement of members has limits
• Resent members who know job better
• Resent group problem-solving skills
• Controls communication and information
• Ignores conflict
• Slow to recognize achievements
• Might modify group agreements to suit personal convenience

TEAM:

• Visionary, able to share vision
• Proactive
• Get others involved, committed
• Problem solving is group responsibility
• Role is to encourage and facilitate
• Communicates fully and openly
• Mediates conflict in a timely manner
• Recognizes individuals and group accomplishments
• Keeps commitments

Some of the differences between a group and a team include:
A group has a leader
A team has many leaders

Groups work independently
Teams work together

Feedback in a group is usually not welcomed
Teams have much constructive feedback

Groups see limited recognition
Teams believe in immediate recognition

Groups put off confrontation
Teams believe in confrontation for problems

Groups are usually for administrative purposes
Teams are formed independently

Group members feel like hired hands
Team members have ownership in a goal and are active in accomplishing it

Groups are reactive
Teams are proactive

Group members are told what to do and input is not appreciated
Team members contribute their own special talents

Group has little trust
Team has a trusting climate

Groups often have politics and game playing
Teams focus on open, honest communication

Groups get training and are then not allowed in implement it
Teams get training and implement it

It's easy to see the many differences between being a member of a team and being a member of a group. If you feel as though you could use some insight on how to operate more efficiently as a team, let us help. Contact Pathways today at (509) 750-6603. Pathways can help you maximize your potential.