Myths of Teams

Myths of Teams

Here is one of my favorite topics for discussion.
Since my first real job in 1969 I have worked in various types of teams. Some of them were excellent, most often the ad hoc teams formed for a specific project. I recall when the push for teams exploded in the 70s and 80s. Teams were to be the magic fix for every corporate problem. Whole libraries were written.
That effort never delivered the promised results, due to the reasons given above. Along the way I developed a workshop exercise I called, "Myths About Teams." I list these 8 myths below.
Some of them may be a little dated, but this should be a good exercise anyway. I invite you to respond, telling us whether you agree or disagree with each myth.
I will post my own comments in a few days.
1. Teams can become totally self-directed so that they don't need leaders.
2. Team members should all be friends.
3. Team members should all be equally good at all jobs.
4. All team members can rise to the top.
5. The team functions as a safety net for the individual and the supervisor.
6. The key attitude for a team is forgiveness.
7. There is no "I" in team.
8. All members of a team have an equal role.

		Frederic A Parker Consultant, United States
	Myths of Teams #1: Self-directed Teams I am surprised that no one has reacted yet to the (...)

		Frederic A Parker Consultant, United States
	Myths of Teams #2: Members Should be Friends 2. Team members should all be friends. Not true. (...)

		Nasir Sajjad Consultant, Pakistan
	True Group Dynamics Would Hinder Sometime You are thinking correctly these kind of friendshi (...)

		Hong Sun Management Consultant, Canada
	Team Members can be Friends It's an interesting point, although it's a little (...)

		Frederic A Parker Consultant, United States
	Myths of Teams #3: Members Should All be Equally Good at All Jobs 3. Team members should all be equally good at all (...)

		Jaap de Jonge Editor, Netherlands
	Team Members Should be Good at Different Things So far I agree with all 3 your statements, Frederi (...)

		Frederic A Parker Consultant, United States
	Belbin Team Roles @Jaap de Jonge: Thanks, I wasn't familiar with Bel (...)

		Frederic A Parker Consultant, United States
	Myths of Teams #4: All Members can Rise to the Top 4. All team members can rise to the top. Not true (...)

		Frederic A Parker Consultant, United States
	Myths of Teams #5: a Team is a Safety Net 5. The team functions as a safety net for the indi (...)

		Frederic A Parker Consultant, United States
	Myths of Teams #6: the Key Attitude is Forgiveness 6. The key attitude for a team is forgiveness. Tr (...)

		Joanne Robinson Manager, United Kingdom
	Applauding for a Mistake @Frederic A Parker: Agree with #6. Sometimes you c (...)

		Frederic A Parker Consultant, United States
	Myths of Teams #7: no 'I' in Team 7. There is no "I" in team. Partially true. It is (...)

		Frederic A Parker Consultant, United States
	Myths of Teams #8: All Have an Equal Role 8. All members of a team have an equal role. Not (...)

		Omondi Manager, Kenya
	Myths of Teams #8: All Have an Equal Role @Frederic A Parker: I fully agree with #8. Team me (...)

		Frederic A Parker Consultant, United States
	Myths of Teams #8 All Have an Equal Role @Omondi: Thank you. I really like your analogy of (...)