Members can begin this bonding process during the very first meeting, as they evaluate their purpose, goals, roles, and individual and group responsibilities. A cohesive group is one in which there are incentives for remaining in the group and a feeling of belongingness and relatedness among the members. Cohesive teams are effective teams. First and foremost, all team members must clearly understand the team's mission. Hiring a professional to train team members at the outset is a good idea.
Trainers can also enhance team members' understanding of group dynamics and communication skills.
And conflict often can lead to consensus. Members don't understand their own roles or responsibilities. Many problems begin with poor communication skills of team members. Initial training and ongoing assessment can help prevent these problems from occurring. Even if a team does not hire a professional trainer, members can commit to evaluating their mission and roles during the first meeting.