The Influence of a Team Leader on Team Dynamics and Motivation
The Influence of a Team Leader on Team Dynamics and Motivation
Timo de Winter
ABSTRACT
When the team dynamics are right and people are motivated, there will be a boost of productivity and it will create an opportunity to utilize the skills and hidden talents that every team member has. When the skill of leadership is not applied correctly (or not at all) it can lead to lack of motivation and trust within the group. It can drive a team apart which will result in a poorly designed product, or even worse, no product at all.
Keywords
Team dynamics, motivation, leadership, project management, agile development, motivational DNA
INTRODUCTION
The paper you're about to read is not the kind of paper I had been asked to write, it is a risk for me to do this, but I am willing to take it since I see the importance of the subject. The assignment was to write a paper research that lead to a design decision, made during the past project. In my case this was the Playful Government project that I worked on with my team High Speed Sloth. Later in this paper I will go deeper into the details of this project, but for now allow me to explain why I'm taking the risk writing this paper.
In the two years I have been studying Interaction Design at the HKU, I've gained design-, programming-, and research skills. All of these are incredibly useful skills to have as an Interaction Designer. However, in the past few months I have noticed that there is one more skill that is very often forgotten, and not taught. It's the skill to lead a team of great and talented people. It is the skill that will allow you to create an environment where people feel comfortable, motivated and appreciated, all of which will lead to a great product.
I feel strongly that if you are able to create and sustain an environment where people respect each other, have the same goals, and feel comfortable, talents will bloom, friendships will form, and a great product will be born. Without the skill of
Timo de Winter
ABSTRACT
When the team dynamics are right and people are motivated, there will be a boost of productivity and it will create an opportunity to utilize the skills and hidden talents that every team member has. When the skill of leadership is not applied correctly (or not at all) it can lead to lack of motivation and trust within the group. It can drive a team apart which will result in a poorly designed product, or even worse, no product at all.
Keywords
Team dynamics, motivation, leadership, project management, agile development, motivational DNA
INTRODUCTION
The paper you're about to read is not the kind of paper I had been asked to write, it is a risk for me to do this, but I am willing to take it since I see the importance of the subject. The assignment was to write a paper research that lead to a design decision, made during the past project. In my case this was the Playful Government project that I worked on with my team High Speed Sloth. Later in this paper I will go deeper into the details of this project, but for now allow me to explain why I'm taking the risk writing this paper.
In the two years I have been studying Interaction Design at the HKU, I've gained design-, programming-, and research skills. All of these are incredibly useful skills to have as an Interaction Designer. However, in the past few months I have noticed that there is one more skill that is very often forgotten, and not taught. It's the skill to lead a team of great and talented people. It is the skill that will allow you to create an environment where people feel comfortable, motivated and appreciated, all of which will lead to a great product.
I feel strongly that if you are able to create and sustain an environment where people respect each other, have the same goals, and feel comfortable, talents will bloom, friendships will form, and a great product will be born. Without the skill of