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Functions of Teams

Maeroff (1993) lists a number of positive team functions:

"Teams can set priorities so that all of the team's ideas are not just dumped on the school with no sense of what is most important.

"Teams can model the kinds of behavior that they would like to elicit from colleagues.

"Teams can try to anticipate objections so that the answers are provided before some of the negative reactions are registered.

"Teams should remember that each member is only part of the team and does not speak for the entire group unless delegated to do so.

"Teams can make certain that team members interact with their colleagues.

"Teams should take every opportunity to spread ownership throughout the school community.

"Teams should strive to get time in the school's schedule to work on the change process with colleagues.

"Teams should keep the school community informed about the team's progress.

"Teams should be positive whenever possible.

"And, finally, team members should maintain a sense of humor about the serious work at hand." (p. 517)