8 Factors in Team Building ~ John J Arent

The overall goal of teamwork in most organizations is ultimately to improve return for your customers. However in many organizations today due to a multitude of reasons including politics, Divisional barriers, management egos and other factors, few organizations, are able to advance their ideas due to a failure of team development.  If you feel that your team development is below average, evaluate where you are in each of the 8 areas below and explore a bit deeper. 

Communication – Is your message similar to “Surround-sound” messaging which allows for give and take interaction without penalty.  Ability to transfer information fluidly without redundancy or non-factual interchange of ideas.  Consistent updates either through personal, e-mail, written or oral routine transmissions.

Opportunity – Are your Goals clearly established and the possibility of productive outcome clearly defined?  The ability to secure the potential gains by keeping the team on track.  Sharing the vision of what will be accomplished by unity.

Framework – Employing a structure within the team that is transparent.  Breaking down the chance of any silos forming and allowing the support and interaction within the group to flourish. 

Ability – Hiring a diverse team of professionals who have the skill and aptitude to work together in solving problems.  Solution-oriented thinking to use you capabilities to reach your capacity.

Participation – Have you experienced “Across the board participation” and contributions from everyone in the group.  The ability to gain involvement from all team members by active contributions without penalty or bias.

Partnership – Affiliation of all team members for the common purpose of the group.  Promoting an alliance and relationship where it is a common undertaking for all involved.

Innovation – Not just improvements but novel ideas of discovery to grow.  Advancement to the goal by original ideas that are creative and unique.

Synchronization – Orchestrating the many ideas and people to form a agreement and accord in a harmonious way.

How do you measure up?  Work on reviewing each of these areas to ensure your work teams contribute most effectively to your over business goals.  The often used word of “empowerment” will help bring the individuals together as a team and help allow them to take greater responsibility for their work through ownership.