The study of team formation and functioning is a topic of current interest in all types of organizations, as is the development of various aspects related to team roles, high-performance behaviors and attributes, teamwork techniques, the process of stages, and team formation.
All this interest is justified by the important role these teams can play in the performance of organizations. Now, the question is whether we dedicate enough time and effort to their training. In other words: How often do we stop to think about what we need for our company, our own group, to be successful and achieve the objectives it sets?
Many?
Few?
None?
Here we propose a table that can serve as a tool or a reminder, specifying the 10 practices that have the greatest impact on the high performance of our teams.
| Practice | Description |
| 1. Shared vision and mission | If you ask each of us why we're here and what we're working for, the answer will be the same, and you'll see it in our actions. |
| 2. Shared leadership | We take responsibility for the team's success. Leadership is shared among all: each member operates with the same purpose and vision as the leader. |
| 3. Measurable performance objectives and defined goals | We have agreed on measurable, specific, achievable, and time-bound objectives. They include activities related to the business and team development. We have established clear goals that motivate us toward achieving the larger objectives. We regularly evaluate how we are working together. |
| 4. Clear roles and responsibilities | Each of us knows not only the activities for which we are individually responsible but also those for which we are collectively responsible as a team. The role of each member is clear. We respect each person's role and openly discuss our expectations for each person's responsibilities. |
| 5. Active leadership | Our bosses are involved and committed to our success and support us through various obstacles. They delegate appropriate authority to us. We have the resources we need to be successful: information, money, time, space, and talents. |
| 6. Effective process as a team | We have a working agreement that explains how we approach it and we review it when necessary. We uphold specific practices related to Effective Meetings, Onboarding New Members, Decision-Making Tools, and Problem-Solving. We are competent at giving and receiving constructive feedback. |
| 7. Expanded competencies | Our team recognizes conflict and addresses it when it arises. We have the flexibility to integrate changes. We are willing to correct our course and adapt to changing conditions. |
| 8. Collaboration and innovation through synergy | Trust, willingness, and integrity strengthen our relationships. Communication and dialogue promote action. We collaborate to innovate products or services. We use a variety of activities to promote creativity, celebration, and renewal. |
| 9. Recognition and rewards | We recognize individual and group achievements as well as personal development. We also reward values-based performance. |
| 10. Quality relationships with stakeholders and other teams | We coordinate our efforts with other stakeholders. We develop good relationships with other work teams. Our work is integrated with the overall business objectives. |
The fact is that we often tend to lean toward magic solutions. The answers are usually:
“We will get used to it over time,”
“What happens is that there are a lot of new and inexperienced people,”
“There are many older people who no longer have the desire,”
“Nobody cares about anything,”
Or (perhaps one of the most damaging) “if you are not always in control, no one cares.”
It's important to keep in mind that teams are formed first and foremost by overcoming certain barriers that hinder their effective functioning.
Therefore, by following the 10 proposed practices, teams can ensure their continued success and efficient functioning, achieving a synergistic effect. This means that the result of teamwork is greater than the sum of individual results. This, in turn, will enhance the team's results and motivate its members to achieve their goals.
