How to Focus Your Efforts and Build a Synergistic Team

How often have you been part of a truly effective team? Sometimes, it is just a matter of having the “right” people working together. Do you wish that you could re-create that environment with your current team? By understanding the crucial elements of effective teams, you can focus on the areas that will lead to your success. Here are some things for you to consider in order of impact:

1. There is a climate of trust and respect for each other at all levels
2. Vision, Goals and Shared Values are truly understood and committed to
3. There is a sense of belonging and pride in accomplishments
4. Open, honest communication exists throughout the team
5. Diverse opinions, creativity and risk-taking are encouraged
6. Clear roles and responsibilities are established
7. Participative and shared leadership is practiced
8. Decisions are made with input from members whenever possible and practical
9. They are given the tools, training and support in order to fulfill their role(s)
10. Self-assessment and periodic evaluation is practiced
11. THEY HAVE FUN TOGETHER! They take the time to know each other as “real” people, rather than relying on how they perceive each other under stress at work!

Your challenge: Have a meaningful dialogue within your team regarding the first two items above. Do they truly understand and buy-in to the vision, goals, and values? How do they feel about trust and mutual respect within the team? Develop an improvement plan.