The decisions made by groups and teams have a direct effect on performance. There are advantages and disadvantages to group decision making. In groups, decision-making authority is held by the manager, whereas in teams, decision-making authority is held by the members through empowerment. Shared-decision making is the trend. However, the level of participation in a decision should be based on the decision.

Conflict is common in groups and teams, and unresolved conflicts can have a negative effect on performance. Conflict of ideas can help team performance, but personal conflicts tend to hurt relationships and performance. Unresolved conflict often leads to members’ withdrawal from the group process and hurts cohesiveness. So you need to prevent disruptive conflicts and resolve conflicts to maintain productive working relationships.

If you understand group process skills, you will be a more effective member, leader, and manager.