[MUSIC PLAYING]

NARRATOR: Have you ever wondered if you're leading a team or a group? To lead effectively, it is important we recognize whether we are leading a team or a group. The difference is subtle but important. We don't coach a baseball group or lead a focus team. We coach a baseball team and lead a focus group. Let's understand the difference.

In this short video, we'll compare and contrast teams and groups by looking at the definitions and characteristics. A team is a unit of two or more people who interact regularly and coordinate their work to accomplish a shared goal or purpose. The three key components being that teams are made up of two or more individuals. The individuals in teams work together regularly and they share a goal.

A group is comprised of three or more people who recognize themselves as a distinct unit or department but who work independently of each other to achieve their organizational goals. Let's note that groups are made up of three or more individuals that work independently of one another toward their organization's goals.

Let's delve a little deeper and contrast the characteristics of teams and groups. Teams share or rotate leadership roles, whereas a group has a designated strong leader. Teams possess accountability mutually as a team and as individuals. Individuals in groups generally only feel accountable for their independent work within the group.

This may be due to the fact that when performance goals are set, teams set their goals themselves, whereas performance goals for groups are often set by others. Teams typically have a very specific vision or purpose, whereas the purpose of a group tends to be that of the organization.

Teams work beyond organizational boundaries, and groups work within them. Teams thrive in providing open ended discussion, active problem solving, and mutual feedback, whereas groups thrive with meetings and delegation.

The next time you're leading two or more people, ask yourself, am I leading a group or a team? Remember these subtle differences that will make a big difference in your impact as a manager or leader. Have fun.