Terms like "team" and "group" are tossed around as if they mean the same thing, but let’s be clear here, they’re not!
Sure, both involve people working toward a goal, but how they function and interact couldn’t be more different.
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what separates a group from a team and how each operates in the workplace. And for those who already know the basics but are looking to transform a workplace into a team-orientated culture, we’ve got you covered there too.
Stick around until the very end for a bonus tip that could make all the difference.
Enjoy!
What is a group?
A group is a collection of people working toward a shared purpose, but their efforts tend to focus on individual tasks rather than working closely together. While there’s usually a common goal tying the group together, they don’t rely on each other much to get the job done, meaning collaboration isn’t a key feature.
Key characteristics of a group
Shared goal but independent tasks
Members might be working toward the same outcome, but they handle their responsibilities independently without much overlap or teamwork.
Less cohesion
Groups often lack strong bonds between members, as the focus is more on getting the task done than building relationships or trust.
Leader-driven dynamics
Groups usually rely on a leader to set direction and make decisions, with members contributing individually rather than as a unified team.
Flexible structure
Roles in a group are often loosely defined and can shift depending on what’s needed at the time.
Examples of groups in workplaces
- Project groups: People from different departments working on a project, like a product launch. Each member handles their part (marketing, design, or IT) independently.
- Committees: Groups like a safety committee or events committee where members take on separate tasks to support the overall goal.
- Training groups: Employees attending the same workshop or course but without a need to collaborate during or after.
What is a team?
A team is a group of people who come together with a shared purpose, but what makes it different is how closely they work with one another. In a team, members rely on each other and collaborate to achieve their goals, with the main goal of working together, not just alongside each other.
Key characteristics of a team
Interdependence
Team members depend on one another to complete tasks, combining their strengths and expertise to achieve shared goals.
Shared accountability
Success or failure is a collective responsibility. Everyone in the team feels ownership of the outcome, which strengthens commitment and motivation.
Collaboration
Teams thrive on working together solving problems and even brainstorming together as this helps them build off each other’s ideas. Communication and cooperation are essential to their success!
Examples of teams in workplaces
- Product teams: A group of designers, developers, and marketers working together to create and launch a new product. Each person plays a specific role, but their work is interconnected.
- Sports teams: Whether on the field or in the workplace, sports teams are the perfect example of how teamwork combines individual skills to reach a common goal.
- Customer support teams: Members work together to provide seamless service, with one person handling calls, another managing follow-ups, and a third analysing feedback to improve the process.
Differences between group and team
It’s easy to explain what a group is and what a team is separately, but to really understand how they work and why they’re so different, the best approach is to compare them side by side. By looking at how each type functions across different aspects, you’ll see exactly where their strengths and weaknesses lie.
Why the difference matters
Understanding the difference between groups and teams goes beyond semantics. It has a tangible impact on how people work together and achieve results. Choosing the right approach for your organization can shape productivity and positively influence workplace culture. It’s certainly something you’ll want to fully understand!
Let’s take a look at some key areas for thought:
Impact on productivity and collaboration
Groups often work independently, so their overall productivity depends on how well individuals complete their tasks. If one person struggles, it doesn’t necessarily affect the others, but it might mean the group doesn’t reach its full potential. Collaboration is usually limited, and miscommunication or conflicting priorities can slow things down.
Teams, on the other hand, are built around collaboration. Every member relies on each other, which creates a sense of accountability and shared responsibility. This structure naturally drives better communication but also a willingness to step up when others need support. Teams tend to be more efficient because they work as a cohesive unit rather than separate parts.
Why companies should prioritize teams
While groups can be useful for simpler tasks or short-term goals, teams are far more effective for tackling complex challenges and achieving long-term success. When employees feel part of a team, they’re more likely to feel connected to the company’s vision and each other. This creates a culture of trust and collaboration.
Examples of cohesive teams making a difference
- Tech innovation: A product team at a major tech company combined skills from design, engineering, and marketing to successfully launch a new product. By working together, they avoided delays and ensured a seamless rollout that met customer needs.
- Healthcare: A hospital surgical team showcased the power of collaboration when they reduced patient recovery times through better communication and teamwork. Evey part of the team was included, from surgeons to support staff.
- Start-up growth: A small start-up grew rapidly by fostering a strong team culture where every member shared accountability for success. Their ability to adapt quickly and work together helped them secure significant funding and scale their business.
How to transform groups into teams
As a manager or team leader, you might be looking at your squad and thinking, “I think we may have a group here rather than a team.” If it’s a team you’re aiming for, your next question is probably, “How can I transform them into a team? Is it even possible?” The answer is a resounding yes! Hope is not lost, but it does take effort and intentional action to make the shift.
Below, we’ll dive into some of the key aspects you’ll need to focus on to turn your group into a cohesive, high-performing team.
Identify shared goals
The first step in transforming a group into a team is to establish a shared goal that everyone can rally behind. Without a common purpose, members will stay focused on their individual tasks rather than working together.
- How to do it: Start by discussing what success looks like for the group as a whole. Is it launching a product, hitting a sales target, or improving customer satisfaction? Once the goal is clear, communicate it in a way that inspires everyone and gives them a sense of ownership.
- Example: If you’re leading a marketing group, shift the focus from individual campaign tasks to a collective goal like increasing brand visibility by 30% in six months. Break the goal into milestones and show how everyone’s work contributes to the bigger picture.
- Tip: Keep the goal visible. Literally. Post it in team meetings, include it in emails, and celebrate progress to keep everyone aligned and motivated.
Create trust and communication
Without trust and open communication, collaboration will always fall short. Trust allows team members to do the basic things, like share ideas or speak their mind, without fear of judgment.
- How to do it: Encourage team-building activities that let members get to know each other on a personal level. Facilitate open discussions where everyone has a chance to speak. Lead by example by being transparent and approachable.
- Example: Schedule weekly check-ins where team members share updates and any help they need. Here’s a great idea: why not ask icebreaker questions or share lighthearted news to build rapport?
- Tip: Trust-building takes time, so be consistent. Recognize things like small wins and focus on creating a culture where everyone feels valued and supported.
Define roles clearly
Ambiguity is one of the biggest roadblocks to teamwork. When people aren’t sure what’s expected of them, or how their role fits into the bigger picture, they can easily become disengaged or step on each other’s toes.
- How to do it: Clearly outline each person’s responsibilities and how their role contributes to the team’s goals. Use tools like role matrices or job descriptions to make it easy to reference who does what.
- Example: If you’re managing a product development team, make sure everyone knows their role, e.g., the designer creates user-friendly visuals, the developer builds functionality, and the marketer prepares the launch strategy. Emphasize how these roles depend on one another to succeed.
- Tip: Revisit roles regularly, especially during major projects or changes, to make sure they still align with team goals.
Encourage collaboration and interdependence
Remember, collaboration doesn’t happen naturally and it needs to be encouraged and facilitated. Teams thrive when members actively support one another and combine their strengths to achieve goals.
- How to do it: Assign tasks that require input from multiple members to complete. Foster a culture where helping each other is celebrated rather than seen as a sign of weakness.
- Example: For a sales team, create a buddy system where experienced reps mentor newer ones, or organize brainstorming sessions where everyone contributes ideas for closing a deal.
- Tip: Celebrate collaborative efforts. Highlight examples of teamwork in meetings or emails to show that working together is both noticed and valued.
Transforming a group into a team isn’t a quick fix, but with focus and persistence, it’s absolutely achievable.
Bonus way to turn groups into teams: team retreats!
One of the most effective ways to transform a group into a cohesive team is through regular team retreats. Getting everyone out of the office and into a new environment can do wonders for every aspect of a newly formed team.. Retreats give team members the chance to connect on a deeper level and focus on building relationships without the usual workplace distractions.
Team retreats create a space for meaningful interactions that are hard to replicate during a busy workday. By stepping away from daily tasks, team members can see each other as more than just colleagues and begin to bond as a unit.
- Trust-building: Activities like team challenges, shared meals, or even informal conversations can help build trust and strengthen connections. Trust is the foundation of any great team, and retreats accelerate this process.
- Communication improvement: Retreats encourage open and honest communication, giving everyone the chance to voice ideas by perhaps addressing concerns or even just the chance to align on goals. This clarity can make a significant difference back in the workplace.
- Problem-solving: Many retreats include workshops or activities that challenge the team to solve problems together. These experiences foster collaboration and teach members how to leverage each other’s strengths.
Why Surf Office is your go-to for team retreats
Planning a retreat might sound overwhelming, but that’s where Surf Office comes in. We specialize in creating team retreats that blend productivity with relaxation, helping your team strengthen bonds and achieve results.
With over 850+ retreats organized for companies around the globe, we know what it takes to craft a meaningful experience for every member of your team. Here's what we bring to the table:
- Stress-free travel arrangements? Sorted. ✅
- Comfortable, curated accommodations? Always. ✅
- Thoughtfully designed team-building activities? You bet. ✅
- Exceptional dining options? Handled. ✅
- Expert retreat planning every step of the way? Of course. ✅
And with access to 160+ incredible locations across Europe, APAC, the US, Latin America, and Africa, your dream retreat is closer than you think.
Contact Surf Office today and let’s create a team-building retreat that will turn your group into the best team possible!
