How Can We Reignite Enthusiasm and Unity in a Team After Alignment Changes?

Hi,

I am sure experts and the most experienced individuals would look into this topic. I am working with a team that started off really well; it was strong, and the bond between team members was excellent. However, after the team alignment and reporting changes occurred, there was a significant deviation. People who were initially interested in being part of the team are now unwilling to attend meetings. They are questioning the purpose of these meetings and whether they provide any value or benefit to them or the process. The initial intention behind these meetings was to create a forum for the team to share best practices, views, concerns, etc. Many team members want to continue these discussions, but we need to find a way to motivate people. Team building activities seem ineffective as many perceive them as a waste of time, leading to low participation rates. I need your help to analyze what can be done to reignite the team's enthusiasm.

Regards,
Malavika

Hi Malavika,

For which team are you working? If the team structure has been changed, do you really need their participation in your present discussions? Why do they feel that a discussion won't add value to them? Team building happens only when we know the actual reasons behind their negative thoughts regarding a team. Kindly send us how they will be benefited by coming down to the discussion so that we can discuss further.

Regards,
Jyothi

Dear Malavika,

Have you heard about the four stages of Team Formation? They are called... FORMING, STORMING, NORMING, and PERFORMING. Now they have added Adjourning as well. However, if you see the four stages, you would appreciate that any good team undergoes storming. Roles, individual interests, attitudes, and aptitudes all play a very critical role here. But, the Facilitator at this stage should facilitate good brainstorming. Individual issues will be resolved. Sometimes you may need some external help.

But don't look at it as a split team. It is a team undergoing the Storming Stage. If they realize that the common agenda is more critical than their individual agenda, norming will take place.

Siva