Team success is critical for organizations that use groups of diverse people to accomplish goals. There are many dynamics when working with groups of people. Pretty much when you get more than one person in a room, you have the potential for conflict, which is why understanding team dynamics and having a structured process to manage them is critical.
The following are Keys to High Performing Teams.
1. Strong Team Leadership
Successful teams have strong team leadership. The team leader is trained in team dynamics and is committed to helping the team succeed. They have a good understanding of their role in leading the team and they take that responsibility seriously. They demonstrate team leader skills and responsibilities in a professional manner.
2. Specific Goals
Successful teams have goals and are committed to accomplishing their goals. The team as a group understands what it is they are trying to accomplish and works together to make sure what they set out to do is done in an excellent manner.
3. Healthy Work Environment
Successful teams have a healthy, comfortable and informal work environment. This means all team members feel free to work without constraints. Informal does not necessarily imply work attire but more the environment in which the team meets and works on team assignments. Healthy refers to being free from hostile team members who can quickly stop a team in its tracks.
4. Open Communication and Open Mindedness
Successful teams are free in their communication to each other. They have learned “polite” communication skills. They share their thoughts openly but demonstrate professional communication skills to communicate. They are sensitive to others and respect other members’ thoughts and ideas. They are free to share thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment or inappropriate responses.
5. Trust and Respect
Successful teams have a mutual trust and respect for each other and are comfortable taking risks. They value the diversity of the group and see conflict as a positive part of the process. They know how to resolve conflict respectfully and value the differences they share. Team members have a good understanding of their role on the team, the importance of their position and what they bring to the table.
6. Strong Desire to Improve
Successful teams are constantly looking for ways to improve what they do and how they do it. They see procedures and processes as moving targets that are constantly being changed and improved upon.
Unsuccessful teams:
- Lack strong leadership and training
- Don’t have a clear vision or goals
- Lack adequate resources (time, people, budget) to accomplish goals
- Are not comfortable communicating and sharing
- Tolerate team members who don’t participate or have poor team skills
Teams should be given the opportunity to see some small wins and celebrations of goal accomplishments and gradually work toward bigger goals and projects. It is also critical to celebrate wins along the way. This can be done in simple ways, but it is very important to acknowledge and reward good performance.
A strong, healthy performing team can be a very positive experience for members which can be the incentive to seek more and higher levels of responsibilities.
