10 Types of Teams with Examples | DT Evolve

Introduction 

Managing different types of teams can be difficult for organizations, but how does an organization ensure effective collaboration, coordination, and communication between different departments in cross-functional teams? 

Are you aware of the different types of teams that an organization has? What is the importance of teamwork in an organization?

Teamwork is a vital skill for any organization. It helps improve the productivity and efficiency of the team members. There are different types of teams working together in an organization. Different types of teams play different types of roles in an organization. For instance, cross-functional teams bring together individuals from different departments or areas of expertise to work on a specific project or goal. On the other hand, self-managed teams are responsible for managing their own tasks and making decisions collectively without a designated leader. 

In this blog, you will gain insights into different types of teams in an organization. Each team has specific functions to perform and also has to coordinate and collaborate with other teams. So, an organization needs to promote teamwork among its members. You will learn about ten different types of teams through their examples. There are many benefits to promoting teamwork, which yields higher results. There are various types of teams that exist in organizations, each with its unique purpose and function. Some common types of teams include project teams, cross-functional teams, virtual teams, and self-managed teams.

10 Types of Teams with Examples 

Some of the ten most widely known types of teams are:

Functional Team

Functional teams involve individuals with similar skill sets, areas of expertise, or departments. Individuals who work in functional teams have different responsibilities than other members who are led by leaders or supervisors. Team members must report to their leader, and team leaders delegate responsibilities to their team members. 

For example, in a software development company, a functional team has software engineers, quality assurance specialists, and project managers, and each member of the team contributes their skills and expertise to deliver high-quality products that meet customer requirements. 

Cross-Functional Team

A cross-functional team is somewhat similar to a functional team, but the team members are selected from different departments in a cross-functional team. The delegation of tasks is usually done based on the skill sets of the individuals. These teams are useful for jobs and projects that require a variety of skills and perspectives.

For example, a company is launching a new product. To launch this new product, the company has to develop an advertisement campaign on different social media sites, promote it on their websites, and develop YouTube videos for promotion of this product. So, they will need to form a new team for this new product. The team will require a social media manager, a content writer, and an anchor for the YouTube channel. 

Self-Managed Team

Self-directed teams are also known as autonomous teams, as they possess a high degree of autonomy and decision-making authority. Self-directed teams are often used in industries that require a high level of flexibility and adaptability, such as software development or healthcare. However, this structure may not be suitable for all organizations or projects, as it requires a certain level of trust and competence among team members. But, startup companies and small businesses use this type of team.

For example, Reena runs a small business selling scented candles. She is in charge of the production, marketing, and packaging of candles. Whenever someone orders from her, she receives the order, prepares the candles for shipment, and couriers them to the address of the buyer.

Troubleshooting Team

Troubleshooting teams are responsible for finding solutions for issues that arise within an organization. These teams should have good communication skills, as they are required to discover solutions for complex issues and make recommendations to affected departments.

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Project Team

Project teams are developed to accomplish specific objectives or projects within a defined deadline. Team members come from different departments and have the necessary skill sets in order to successfully execute the project. Team members work under the project leaders, who assign them responsibilities.

For example, an ed-tech organization launched a new website that spreads awareness about business management and work-life balance. For this, a few content writers were selected from the content development team to form a new team focused on this new project. The selected content writers are experienced in business writing and are also using different strategies and tactics to develop this project. 

Task-Force Teams

Task-force teams are developed for emergencies that arise.  These teams are composed of experts from different departments who work together to address the emergency situation. They are trained to quickly assess the situation, develop a plan of action, and execute it efficiently to minimize damage and ensure safety. These teams are often assembled for specific projects or initiatives that require a focused and dedicated approach. These teams can also help identify areas for improvement within an organization and implement changes to increase overall efficiency. 

For example, a virus corrupted the organization’s server, and the organization no longer has access to critical files. In the event of an emergency, the task force team gets to work saving those files.  

Management Teams

The executives and senior leaders who are responsible for strategic decision-making and organizational direction comprise the management team. 

For example, CEO, CFO, CMO, etc.

Growth Management Teams 

A growth management team facilitates the flow of information between the marketing department and the product development team. A growth management team is responsible for maintaining customer growth, acquisition, and activation. A growth manager directly reports to the CEO. 

Risk Management and Crisis Management Teams 

The risk management team is responsible for identifying, measuring, and treating property, liability, income, and personnel exposures to loss. This team works under the supervision of a risk manager who provides an overview of the project’s risks and opportunities as well as their mitigation plan. 

Workforce Management Teams

A workforce management team is in charge of optimizing the allocation, scheduling, and utilization of an organization’s workforce for maximum operational efficiency. It is responsible for workforce planning, forecasting, scheduling, and monitoring to meet business goals. There are various functions of workforce management. Employers can use workforce management to perform tasks like forecasting labor needs, scheduling employees, tracking time and attendance, managing absences, analyzing data, and supporting compliance.

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Benefits of Teamwork

There are many benefits to teamwork. Some of them are:

Increased Productivity

Delegating tasks to team members according to their skill sets leads to improved efficiency and the ability to accomplish goals within realistic deadlines. Shared responsibilities and collaboration balance the workload among team members. 

Generating New Ideas

A team consists of members of diverse backgrounds, which means each member has a different opinion. During a project, if any issues arise, team members use them as ideas to work through the project and find solutions. That is why team-building activities are important for increasing teamwork among team members.

Improved Company Culture

Collaborative members improve the company culture. Strong professional friendships create a positive work atmosphere and promote happiness between team members as they are happy to work.

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Conclusion

In this blog, you gained insights into different types of teams in an organization. Each team has specific functions to perform and also has to coordinate and collaborate with other teams. So, it is essential for an organization to promote teamwork among its members. You also learned about ten different types of teams through their examples. There are many benefits to promoting teamwork, which yields higher results. There are various types of teams that exist in organizations, each with its unique purpose and function. Some common types of teams include project teams, cross-functional teams, virtual teams, and self-managed teams.