ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors look at what groups and teams are, how they form, why team working is important, and how to use this information as an observer or participant to build successful teams and groups, and be a confident and assertive participating member. A team is a group of people working together to achieve common goals. The team begins to forge strong working relationships, and starts to focus more readily on achieving results, while minimising destructive patterns of behaviour. Agreement and consensus largely forms among the team, and members respond well to facilitation by their leader. Team working can help to improve communication and learning, develop a sense of belonging, build co-operation, develop mutual support, motivate staff. A more modern, inclusive way of working is to use teams and groups for all decision making. Achieving groups are assertive groups: they co-operate, have a mission, demonstrate leadership and are responsive to their environment.
