Effective teams deliver results and most would agree that teams as a collective can deliver more than one individual. So what 6 things can teams do to be more effective?
Tip 1: focus on performance
Teams rarely thrive when set up because it seems like the obvious thing to do. On the other hand, when they focus on performance challenges, they have the potential to achieve extraordinary results. If you want teams to prosper, give them a performance challenge to tackle.
Tip 2: create a clear purpose
Effective teams have a clear purpose and know what it is. It could be to improve customer service, develop new products, or address process bottlenecks, to name just a few. The clearer the purpose, the greater the impact and effectiveness of the team.
Tip 3: get the right skills
One of the characteristics of a team is that they have complementary skills. Make sure you have the right mix of complementary skills on your teams.
Tip 4: support to address skill gaps
Even if you think you have the right skills at first, some shortcomings will inevitably arise. Make sure you give the team the time and support to address any skill gaps that arise.
Tip 5: Be clear about what a team is
There are probably many groups in organizations that call themselves a team. Be clear about what a team is. A very clear definition is that a team is a small number of people with complementary skills, who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals, and focus for which they hold each other accountable.
Tip 6: create the conditions for effective teamwork
Some of the distinguishing characteristics of a team include reliance on others for results, the fact that they do most of the work themselves rather than delegate, and are mutually accountable. The organization’s performance and reward structures should reflect this fact.
Teams won’t always be the right path, but when they are, they have the potential to deliver extraordinary results. So what good would it do for you, your team, and your organization to get extraordinary results?
