Title: 0.3 Team Norms Lesson
Course: ATEP - MMT: Module A: > Section: WELCOME TO MODULE A - DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURING

0.3.1 Team Norms

Teams are often assembled to develop a design for a product that will solve a problem or meet a customer’s need. These teams made up of talented men and woman can meet face-to-face or over the internet as virtual teams bringing together talent from all over the world.

In design there can be more than one solution or answer. It is up to the team to choose the best solution considering all important factors and constraints. Team norms are created early in the process to give all members of the team a set of guidelines that everyone agrees upon. Teamwork also helps to create good designs through consensus and evaluation.

Team norms are the rules that the team agrees to follow as it conducts its work. They are one of the first things that are created by the team as a contract to complete the project or task. Team members will often be asked to offer their input to the list. The establishment and adherence to team norms helps build team discipline and trust between team members. As an example, a few are listed below.

- Treat each other with dignity and respect.
- Transparency: Avoid hidden agendas.
- Practice being open-minded.
- If you commit to doing something — do it. Be accountable and responsible to the team.
- Promise to come prepared to your meetings and projects so that you demonstrate value and respect for the time and convenience of others.

Making decisions within a group can often be challenging. When things go well, everyone is happy. However, when things go wrong, you can end up mired in conflict. Some people may fight for recognition and position, others may be over-critical or disruptive, while others may sit quietly and not contribute anything to the overall effort. Because of this, groups can often spin out of control and make worse decisions than individuals working on their own.

When this happens, it's easy to see why some people throw their hands up in frustration and give up. However, when a group works in the right way, and follows their team norms, it really works. Groups that function effectively together can outperform individuals and make much better decisions.

Groups can also lose their effectiveness and ability to make good quality decisions if they have too many members. Keep your group small (four to seven team members) to maximize effectiveness. In the Delphi Method, an objective facilitator or leader manages the group and the flow of information.

After the quiz question, return to the main menu and complete the "Team Norms Assignment."

Please answer the following question:

When are teams used?

- When you wish to involve more than one person in a decision
- When you think they are a good idea

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Please return to the original question page and re-read the content ... let's see if you can get the answer right this time.