What makes up a successful team?

Teamwork can be a great solution to many problems in the workplace today, however, some teams do not work well together at all. Unsuccessful teamwork can result in increased frustration, cause employee dissatisfaction and lower productivity which all contribute to a negative work environment. An effective team share some or all of the following characteristics.

A Small Team with a Diverse Makeup.  A team made up of 4 or 5 is optimum for many projects. With larger groups, comes more difficulties such as interacting constructively and agreeing on actions. Teams should be comprised of a variety of individuals including males and females who all differ in age, ethnicity, social background, training and experience. This will help the team generate the most creative decisions. Diversity within the team will help to avoid narrow views and culturally specific opinions.

Agreement on Purpose. Any successful or effective team begins with a shared purpose and collective goals. Members of the team must understand and be fully committed to the mission, goals and objectives that the team has been created for.

Agreement on Procedures. Effective teams develop guidelines at the beginning of their project. They set up specific goals and deadlines for each team member to follow. All members are assigned roles and tasks so that everyone can contribute equally and effectively. It is important to monitor practices and procedures to ensure that all individuals are working towards the teams goals.

Confronting Conflict. Teams the avoid conflict and prefer sulking, gossiping or bickering usually tend to be poor functioning. Conflict is better when acknowledged and addressed openly by using the six-step plan.

1.             Listen
2.             Understand the other’s point of view
3.             Show a concern for the relationship
4.             Look for common ground
5.             Invent new problem-solving options
6.             Reach an agreement based on what’s fair

Confrontation must always be task oriented and NOT person oriented. After hearing all sides a team must now negotiate a fair settlement, no matter on how long this can take.

Good Communication. A successful team knows how to share information and ideas in an informal environment. They speak clearly and concisely, avoiding generalities. Feedback is one of the most important part of good communication. Before responding, listeners are actively involved and ask clarifying questions. Very successful teams often are able to inject humour into their interactions.

Collaborate don’t Compete. Working unselfishly and working together is the key in a successful team. When teams start to compete, the mission and the goals seem to fall apart. Individuals may be looking for recognition from an employer or manager. All members of an effective team are genuinely interested in achieving a common goal. Remember, there is no “I” in team.

Ethical Responsibilities of Team Members. All team members have responsibilities to their members, their larger organizations and to society. They all have specific responsibilities to each other. They are responsible to represent the organization’s view and must respect its confidential information.

Shared Leadership. Leadership in an effective team normally rotates to those with the appropriate expertise in that area. This gives each team member the opportunity to take leadership in certain areas of the project that they are most knowledgeable in.

These are the main characteristics of a successful team, but I am sure there are many more factors I am missing. If you are part of a team, what are some pros and cons of the information I have provided you with? Does the above information adequately summarize the aspects of a successful team? 

References

Guffey, M. E., Loewy, D., Rhodes, K., & Rogin, P. (2013). Business Communication: Process & Product. Nelson.