I have been doing lots of work with teams recently, which I really enjoy.

The focus has been on helping them to increase collaboration within the teams and in doing so develop and grow their performance.

During the sessions, we spend some time looking at what is working well, what’s not quite working yet and agreeing some practical action steps to increase efficiency, co-operation and results.

As a result of these projects, it has got me thinking about the qualities, traits and habits that I consider to be most important to help a team to be First Class and maximise its potential.

Katzenbach and Smith produced an excellent framework on the characteristics of high performing teams and I do refer to this frequently during workshops.

They believe these characteristics to be:-

  • Sense of purpose
  • Open communication
  • Trust and mutual respect
  • Shared leadership
  • Effective working procedures
  • Building on differences
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Continuous learning

Based on what I have observed over the years from the most effective teams that I have been part of or have worked with, I believe the following are the 5 most important qualities of a First Class team:

Trust

This is absolutely vital and is the foundation for successful teams. There has to be trust and respect within the team. Team members have to be able to rely on the each other’s word and that they will honour any commitments and promises. It’s also trust in each other’s abilities and talents, without letting ego and too much competitiveness get in the way. An environment with trust as the footing enables greater openness and allows for any differences of opinions to be resolved swiftly.

Play to people’s strengths

We all have strengths and things we are not so good at. It’s important for teams to have great clarity on what people are good at and to play to those strengths. When trust exists within a team, it’s easier for there to be an honest assessment of each other’s abilities and gifts. This helps ensure that tasks and projects are assigned to those best placed to fulfil those to get the best results and in doing so ensuring there is no overlap and duplication in roles.

Clear vision and roles and responsibilities

It’s important the team has a clear sense of vision, purpose and direction. Clarity on what the team’s most important priorities are and the results they are seeking to deliver helps them to be the best they can be. Clear targets and measurement of performance, with frequent review and feedback help to ensure that targets are met and everyone knows what needs to be done. A clear understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities helps ensure effective and productive working practices.

Commitment to excellence and quality

This is achieved by complete buy in to the vision, a desire to deliver the best possible standards of service and production of goods to the highest level of quality. This helps to ensure that the business develops trust with its customers and a reputation for producing great results. This builds customer satisfaction levels and supports business growth and development.It feels good to be part of a team that wants to produce the best results that it can and has pride in its achievements.

Great team spirit and fun

We spend so much time at work that it’s important that we enjoy what we do and have fun during the working day. This helps to keep morale high and maintains the trust within the team that I referred to earlier. Team spirit is developed by people respecting the people that they work with and developing feelings of camaraderie that enable the team to co-operate and work well together.

This week, why not take a few moments to reflect and think about the teams that you are involved with personally and professionally. What action steps could be taken to increase the effectiveness of the team(s)?

This week’s quotation:

“We talk a lot about hope, helping, and teamwork. Our whole message is that we are more powerful together.” Victoria Osteen.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk