What is the difference between a team and a group?

Do you use the terms "team" and "group" interchangeably? You're not alone, who thinks there is no difference between group and team!

So, what's the difference between a group and a team? It may come as a surprise to learn that there is actually a difference and making the distinction is important!

A team is composed of members who are linked by one or more common goals and shared accountability.

All for one, and one for all!

A group is a collection of individuals who each contribute and interact with each other to achieve a larger goal.

Let's get the job done!

Qualities of a team

• Can have multiple or rotating leaders

• Team members share responsibility for the final outcome

• Focus is achieving collective goals

• Members contribute to collective work products

• The team discusses a problem, decides on a solution, and works on the solution collectively

• Team members are interdependent

Qualities of a group

• Has only one designated leader

• Group members do not share responsibility for the final outcome

• Focus is achieving individual goals

• Members produce individual work products

• The group discusses a problem, decides on a solution, and delegates tasks to individual group members

• Group members are independent

Qualities of both teams and groups

• At least 2 people

• Members need to interact

• Thrive with face-to-face interaction

• Focus on the achievement of an objective

• Need leadership to operate

• Are built on a foundation of sharing of information and resources

Both are valuable and necessary depending on the situation at hand!

This could be you and your group or team:

Challenge yourself, and identify the difference between group vs team! The next time you need to work with others to solve a problem or achieve something: