Leadership, Teams, and Norms

Introduction

In every organisation, the success of a certain project is determined by the effectiveness of the teams, leadership, and the norms guiding the conduct of various stakeholders in a certain committee. The effectiveness of the teams will significantly determine the performance of an organisation. The leaders also play a pivotal role in determining the success of a certain committee. The more committed the leaders are, the higher the chances of achieving the committee goals. Norms are also important in an organisation. This is because they have a significant impact on the people’s conduct.

Functions of the leader of the Infection Control Committee

As a leader of the Infection Control Committee, I have an important role in ensuring that the goals of the project are realized in the most efficient way and within the projected time duration. As a team leader, I have a duty to ensure that every team is functional and cooperative towards the realization of the goals of the organisation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Forming a Group to Complete Assigned Tasks

There are several advantages associated with working with a team in completing the assigned tasks. One advantage of working with a team is that people will be able to exchange ideas on various issues. This will significantly contribute to the success of the project. According to Pritchard (1994), people become more productive when working collectively for a common goal rather than working individually. Therefore, cooperation will facilitate the realization of the goals of the program efficiently.

Despite of these advantages associated with working with teams, the process is also faced by a number of shortcomings. To start with, people are more likely going to waste a lot of time through disagreements (Wondmikun, Tafete & Feleke 2005). This is because there are high chances of people coming with different views. This will lead to wastage of time. Another limitation of working with teams is that in case of failure no one will be ready to take liability. Therefore, it becomes difficult to trace the root cause of a certain problem.

Types of Teams

Primary Work Teams

Primary teams can be viewed as those teams which consist of the basic structural unit in a particular organisation. This is also referred to as self-directed team. The recruitment of members in this kind of team is based on the talents and skills required for a certain position. The members in this kind of team are not expected to have other jobs because their contribution here is needed throughout. This is therefore their primary job.

Executive or Management Leadership Team

This kind of team has the responsibility of providing leadership and management in an organisation at a certain level in an organisation. In this case, the members may be members of other teams in which they contribute. These teams play a major role in leading others and helping in managing various processes.

Ad hoc teams

Ad-hoc teams are the teams with very short life spans. They are in most cases problem saving teams which help in finding solutions to the problems which may arise throughout the process. These teams are not permanent and are just formed to solve a certain problem after which they are dissolved.

Development of Team’s Norms and the Role of the Leader in Defining Norms

As already noted, the team’s norms are of great importance in promoting the performance of a certain project. It is therefore important to foster the development of those norms, a thing that can promote the performance of the project or organisation.

Norms are strengthened when members accept their different roles in a group. This level of conflict is also combated at this point. This can be realized by explaining the importance of each role and the associated responsibilities. Once people accept their roles, the group’s activities runs smoothly as each individual execute their duties.

As a leader at this point, I have the responsibility of balancing the participation as well as provision of the necessary training. This will prevent any chance of decrease in efficiency as member’s desire to please one another. Some of the team expectations include commitment towards reduction of any differences, communicating constructively and being optimistic that the program will be successful.

Types of Disruptive Group Members, And Strategies Which Are Effective In Redirecting the Dysfunctional Members

In some cases, some group members may prove disruptive and therefore threaten the realization of the intended goals. One type of disruptive members is compulsive talkers. These are the people who like to be the only ones to contribute in giving ideas. According to Huber (2006), the group leaders should consider modifying their behaviour. However, this should be done in a polite way. For instance, they be thanked for their contribution and then be advised on the importance of listening to other people’s ideas.

Another group of dysfunctional group members is the nontalkers. These are the people who just keep quiet and therefore contribute very little in discussions. The leader can solve this problem by asking them to write down their ideas or even posing some questions to such members.

Interrupters are another group of dysfunctional members. These members do not have control. The leaders have therefore the responsibility of controlling such individuals because they may offend others (Huber 2006).

The other group is the busybodies. These are individuals who arrive in the meetings late and are not committed to the group’s work. They may also be involved in other time wasting activities like picking and making phone calls while still in the meeting. Leaders should employ various methods to improve on these victims. For instance, the leader may give such individuals assignments. This will help in improving their seriousness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this discussion has clearly shown that leadership, teams, and norms play a pivotal role in determining the success of any activity in an organisation. These aspects are of great significance to the health care programmes. Leaders play a pivotal role in ensuring that every individual plays their part. This is realized by ensuring that corrective measures are taken for dysfunctional members.

Reference List

Huber, D. (2006). Leadership and Nursing Care Management. U.S.A.: Elsevier Health Sciences.

Pritchard, P. (1994). Teamwork for Primary and Shared Care. U.S.A.: Oxford Medical Publication.

Wondmikun Y, Tafete M. and Feleke, A. (2005). Successful Coupling of Community Attachment of Health Science Students with Relief Work for Drought Victims. Education for Health: Change in Learning and Practice, volume 18, Number 2, pp. 179-193.