Seven Elements of an Effective Team

By Len D’Innocenzo and Jack Cullen

Successful team members don't do the same thing at the same time. They do the right thing at the right time. And while team members work together toward a common goal, individuals still must play their separate parts in the process.

As organizations rely more on teams to innovate, problem solve, produce, and compete at the speed of change, understanding and capitalizing on individual approaches to group processes is the bottom line on creating high-performance teams. The famous British explorer David Livingstone once said “I will go anywhere provided it be forward.” To be successful in today’s competitive economy, businesses need to go forward further and faster than ever before. It is vitally important for your business to go forward allowing you to become trailblazers and leaders. It is about collaborative innovation and teamwork!

1. Goal Clarity - Members must understand the team goals and commit their best efforts to achieving them.
   
2. Recognition/Cooperation - There must be an awareness of each member’s personal strength to the team. Members must be willing to cooperate with one another and make their contributions to the team.
   
3. Trust/Support/Cohesiveness - Members respect the competence of one another, trust and support each other and will come to the aid of a member when problems arise.
   
4. Role Clarity - Responsibilities and expectations for members are clearly spelled out, communicated and acknowledged. Responsibilities are openly discussed and questions clarified. Roles compliment one another. Any conflicting expectations are openly discussed and resolved.
   
5. Meeting Effectiveness - Team meetings focus on relevant issues and are effective in contributing to sound decisions made by the team and carried out by the members. Members leave each meeting with a clear idea of what is expected of them.
   
6. Conflict Management - Differences or conflicts are openly addressed. Different points of view are discussed until agreements are reached that make sense to all members involved. Whenever possible a consensus is reached.
   
7. Energy/Satisfaction - Members should feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction for their contributions. People should know their jobs and work together efficiently to get them done. It’s okay to have some fun while you work!

Teams with complementary skills generate synergy with a coordinated effort. Each member can maximize his or her strengths and minimize his or her weaknesses with their active participation. Team members must learn how to help one another, help other team members realize their true potential, and create an environment that allows everyone to go beyond their limitation.