Individual Behavior

The success of every team is dependant on the behavior of its members.  That behavior can be divided into three basic categories:

Task oriented behavior. Task oriented behavior is necessary for success.  Members involved in task oriented behavior will be directly involved in one of the steps of the problem solving model such as data collection, problem solving, etc.

Maintenance oriented behavior. Maintenance oriented behavior is what keeps a team functioning smoothly.  The individual who understands this can provide the essential oil to the mechanism, minimizing strife and soothing egos.  Examples include:  gate-keeping, time keeping, advocacy, peacemaker, etc.  Individuals involved in maintenance behavior are seeking to get the most out of the team by getting the most out of individuals on the team.

Self oriented behavior. This type of behavior (hidden agendas, closed to group, argumentative, controlling) disappears as the group becomes a team.  The more effective a team is, the less self oriented behavior will be present.  Team members that are effective in their maintenance behavior can make the growth of a group happen more quickly and stop temporary deterioration.