Don’t just build a team; build a world class team

The new generation entering the workforce is more attuned to teamwork, and more likely to prefer group projects over individual projects than any generation to come. Leaders all across the nation have noticed, and some aren’t sure if it’s a good thing or a bad thing.

My answer? It depends. There’s nothing so powerful as an effective team, and nothing quite so destructive as a dysfunctional one.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a team strategist and business advisor helping turn unproductive and/or conflict-ridden teams into company assets, it’s this: if you institute ground rules and create a culture of healthy teamwork from the start, you can avoid a lot of problems. That applies whether your team is made up of entry-level workers or company leaders.

A culture of healthy teamwork comes from effective ground rules, good boundaries and smart guidance.

Here are the areas to focus on:

The team’s joint vision/mission/purpose.

• Have the team agree on it together. Hint: focus on results and outcomes.
• Have the team write it together.
• It should include clear measures and established goals.
• There must be accountabilities for one and all.
• Be sure rules and consequences are clear at the outset. There can be no success without clear rules to follow.

Day-to-day operations

• Each member should have equal opportunity and equal voice; no one dominates conversations.
• When a team agenda is put forth, be sure to address each issue as it comes; don’t procrastinate issues. In other words, don’t allow an issue to forever be found on 'next week's topics.'
• Leadership teams must learn how to enjoy one another - they need to have fun, relax and let their inner kids out. 

The individual members

• Each member must fit the whole and take his/her seat on the bus and be clearly competent.
• Each member must be on board: their commitment to the team long term must be obvious in their behaviors and actions.

Leadership

• Turn diversity to team's advantage - allow different points of view to be aired. (This is a great place to utilize a questioning strategy).
• Work to build a strong bench: help those who need your assistance, and help new members find their places.
• Be open to giving and receiving feedback.
• Demand humility and respect
• Never allow surprises, rumors, hidden agendas, backstabbing, undiscussables, turf issues, arrogance, or one-upsmanship.
• Play yourself down and others up.
• Be tough on issues and soft on people.

Troubleshooting

• Conflict among teammates is bound to occur; be sure issues are identified and solved quickly and a win-win solution is sought.
• Never take sessions outside: the team solves team issues.
• Individual issues, however, should be solved between individuals. Involving third parties can trigger triangular conversations, which usually allow matters to get out of hand

Somebody once said, “No one wins unless we all do.” That’s the essence of a healthy team, and a healthy team culture.