Setting team goals adds a layer of real complexity to goal setting. Particularly if the distribution of influence and power is shared equally across the team. Many committees are wonderful examples of how the goal-setting process can simply end up in drift mode when little is decided and even less done.
In the section on team roles, I mentioned the importance of the balance in the team. Setting team goals is one particular area that is greatly affected by the make-up of the team and the roles within it.
We run an exercise in workshops that really gets teams to hone in on personal values and their own particular talent. I will return to this in Team Vision.
Team goal setting activity
This is a simple,fun activity to help a team understand the importance of goal setting and communication process.
Split the team into two teams.
Place enough squares (carpet tiles work very well) in a line for all members of both teams with one extra square in the middle.
Teams face each other on the squares:
The goal for this activity is that the teams will exchange places on the squares.
There are four rules:
- NO TALKING!
- Move only in a FORWARD direction.
- You may step to the square in front of you if it is vacant.
- You may step to the vacant square Behind a person who is FACING you And standing on the square in Front of you.
Debrief
- How did you feel when you first started this experience?
- How did your feelings change?
- What contributed to the way you felt?
- What enabled you to do this successfully?
- What parallels are there to the workplace?
As the leader of this team, you will likely get some excellent feedback on the way you lead and how they would like to be led.
