When the team’s structure is understood by all team members, individuals are better able to operate in their own roles. Each team member understands their roles and responsibilities, which can be motivating. When the structure of a team is not understood, or when a leader is not defined, there can be a clear lack of motivation. Appointing a leader that understands how to motivate individuals on the team can lead to team success.
When asked about why a team was successful, most people will say that a clear focus, purpose, or goal was crucial to the success of the team. When working in teams, there is often a division between team goals and individual goals. Challenges occur when individual’s goals don’t line up with those of the team. Often, the discrepancy in team and individual goals is a leading cause of lack of motivation in teams. This lack of motivation can lead to interpersonal conflict within a team and/or conflicts of interest. Determining clear and focused goals early on will help prevent lack of motivation in the future.
In order for a team to be motivated, each individual on the team must be motivated. Team members are dependant on the structure of the team to help determine their individual roles and responsibilities within the team. Without clear direction, often times, team members lack motivation. When individuals are not motivated, the team is not motivated. In many cases, individual competencies and knowledge is vital to success. When team members are unsure of their individual roles and responsibilities, often times, knowledge will not surface that otherwise would have.

2/1 ooosh!!