7 Keys in Building Great Work Teams Summary

7 Keys in Building Great Work Teams Summary • Successful projects depend on how well the team works together. • Elements that lead to success include commitment, contribution, good communication, and cooperation. • Cooperation itself includes factors such as followthrough, timeliness, and others. • Conflict management and change management are also important. • This article analyzes and explains all of these elements that constitute a productive and successful team

7 Keys in Building Great Work Teams “Successful projects depend on how well the team works together. ” Fostering teamwork is a top priority for many leaders Elements that lead to success include: • Commitment • Contribution • Good Communication • And Cooperation (which includes factors such as followthrough, timeliness, … The benefits are clear: • Increased productivity • Improved service • More flexible systems • Employee empowerment

The Seven The seven elements that high-performance teams have in common: 1. Commitment 2. Contribution 3. Communication 4. Cooperation 5. Conflict Management 6. Change Management 7. Connections

1. Commitment Team members understand how their work fits into corporate objectives… … and they agree that the team’s goals are achievable and aligned with corporate mission and values Team members are willing to put aside personal needs for the benefit of the team … and the company … with a shared purpose Team rules consider both company and individual values.

2. Contribution Teams need people who have strong technical and interpersonal skills… and are willing to learn Three factors that affect the level of individual contribution 1. Inclusion 2. Confidence 3. Empowerment The more individuals feel like part of a team, the more they contribute… The more they contribute, the more they feel like part of the team.

2. Contribution Confidence in self and team affects the amount of energy a team member invests… Confidence of team members can be bolstered by providing feedback, coaching, assessment, and professional development opportunities. When team members are involved in decisions, given the right training, and respected for their experience… they “invest” more

3. Communication For a work “group” to reach full potential, members must be able to say what they think, ask for help, share new or unpopular ideas, and risk making mistakes! This requires team members to show concern, trust in one another, and focus on solutions, not problem. Friendly communications are more likely when team members know and respect one another. Open communication is important to a team’s success. Positive communication impacts the energy of the team… When members talk about what they like, need, or want… it energizes When they complain about what annoys them… it can be demoralizing.

4. Cooperation Success depends on the degree of interdependence within the team. The F. A. C. T. S. model of effective team member behavior helps teams identify behaviors that support synergy within the team Follow-through… team members are keenly aware that as a team member, everything they do-or don’t do-impacts someone else. Accuracy… “we do it right the 1 st time”… a reflection of personal pride, demonstrating commitment and generating team price Creativity… Innovation flourishes on a team when members feel supported by colleagues. Timeliness… respecting the time of others (on time to meeting, sharing information promptly… communicating succinctly, asking “is this a good time? ” to talk Spirit… value the individual, develop team trust, communicate openly, manage differences, share successes, , welcome new members…

5. Conflict Management Teams of bright, diverse thinkers will experience conflict. . . The key is how they manage the differences Techniques that help members … Reframing … “looking at the glass half-full rather than half empty … negotiate, trust and creativity will increase Shifting … “walk in the shoes” of the other person, practice empathy… how would you feel if it was you? Affirmations shift any negativity to something more positive … manage conflict more effectively!

6. Change Management “Leaders” should provide the security necessary for teams to take risks and the tools to innovate…” … and help in reducing the resistance to changes “Teams must not only respond to change, but actually initiate it” “… management should provide the security necessary for teams to take risks and … the tools for the team to innovate… reducing resistance to change

7. Connections The cohesive and effective team adds value by paying attention to 3 important connections 1. The larger work organization 2. Team members 3. Other work teams

To compete effectively… Management must create and maintain a network of skilled employees who support each other… “Teams that connect with other work groups … must treat requests from these colleagues with the same respect as external customers…. … asking for feedback on how they can help and better serve their needs. “To compete effectively, leaders must fashion a network of skilled employees who support each other in achievement of corporate goals and the delivery of seamless service. ”

Suzanne Zoglio Author of several books including Teams At Work: 7 Key to Success The Participant Leader Create a Life That Tickles Your Soul https: //www. stickyminds. com/article/7 -keys-buildinggreat-work-teams