There is a difference between being a committee member and a team member.
Take a look at Webster definitions of Committee and Team:
Committee- (noun) a person to whom a charge or trust is committed
Team- (noun) two or more draft animals harnessed to the same vehicle or implement; also: these with their harness and attached vehicle
If you are a member of a committee you there to represent the best interests of those who put you on the committee. The government has committees made up of representatives and senators. My projects have Steering Committees made up of individuals who are there to ensure their department’s best interests are carried out in the project.
If you are a member of a team, you are there to partner with others. You have a common goal. You lay aside special interests and trust your coaches (leaders) are looking at the big picture.
Leaders we need to ensure we are cultivating proper environments so that the teams or committees we are can flourish. Committees need strong facilitators to help drive decisions but little connection between members. Teams need guidance, direction and strong connections between it’s members.
Nice side by side comparison. We need more teams to florish in the workplace so that group ownership is cultivated. Teams don't get bogged down in red tape and have a better chance of ending projects on time or early since every member is fully invested.
Thanks Mark! And thanks for stopping by.