5 Levels of Teamwork

In the latest episode of our “Ramblings of a Continuous Improvement Coach” video program, I talk about the 5 levels of teamwork.

Now teamwork is a common buzzword in most organizations, but there is often a disconnect between what the parties involved thinks that means.

So, this video clarifies the levels of teamwork to help manage expectations, but also gets into some discussion about how you have to manage goals and expectations differently if you want team members to work together.

The 5 levels of teamwork are…

• Communication: In this sense, I am talking about broadcasting what you plan to do. General communication is, of course, required at all levels. At this level of teamwork, though, the point is that there is only communication, and no other activity.
• Coordination: This is where two people or groups try to resolve potential conflicts as they each work on their goals.
• Compromise: Each team member gives a little to get a little.
• Cooperation: Working together so each team gets closer to their own goals.
• Collaboration: A merging of goals to create a joint, aligned effort

I also get into a fair bit of discussion about Policy Deployment and how good goal management supports teamwork.