Teams That Work
Guidance on fostering effective teams through research-backed practices.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- The Science of Teamwork
- Building a Strong Team Foundation
- The Dynamics of Team Interaction
- Effective Communication Strategies
- Leadership and Team Success
- Resolving Conflicts Within Teams
- Sustaining Team Performance
key point 1 of 7
The Science of Teamwork
From the perspective of the science of teamwork, teamwork is not just about group cohesiveness or a good working environment. It’s about the collective brainpower and skills that can be harnessed to achieve common goals. This perspective argues that a team is effective when its members are able to work together in a synergistic manner, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This is achieved through effective communication, collaboration and mutual respect, which are all crucial elements of a high-performing team…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 7
Building a Strong Team Foundation
The basic idea is that a strong team foundation is built on shared norms, shared values, and clear goals. Shared norms are the unwritten rules that guide team members behavior. They include expectations for punctuality, communication style, and task division. Shared values are the deeper beliefs and principles that team members hold in common. They can motivate the team and foster a sense of unity and cohesion. Clear goals guide the team’s work and give members a sense of purpose and direction…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
The Dynamics of Team Interaction
The dynamics of team interaction revolve around the complex interplay of individuals within a group, each with their own skills, personalities, and roles. This dynamic becomes even more complex when considering factors such as team composition, team roles, and team processes. Team composition refers to the mix of individuals on the team, including their skills, knowledge, abilities, and personalities. The roles within a team can range from leader to follower, each with their own responsibilities and expectations. Team processes include how the team interacts and communicates, how decisions are made, and how conflicts are resolved…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 7
Effective Communication Strategies
Effective communication strategies are central in building an efficient team. Clear and concise communication eliminates confusion, fosters a positive environment, and ensures everyone is on the same page. It starts with setting clear expectations, roles, and responsibilities. Every team member should understand both individual and collective goals…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
Leadership and Team Success
Leadership plays a pivotal role in team success. A good leader is not just someone who delegates tasks but also one who understands the strengths and weaknesses of the team members, aligns them towards a common goal, sets clear expectations, and provides feedback and encouragement. Effective leadership goes beyond the conventional command-and-control approach, and instead, promotes an environment where all team members feel valued, heard, and motivated to contribute their best…Read&Listen More
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Resolving Conflicts Within Teams
Resolving conflicts within teams necessitates understanding the root causes, which typically revolve around a myriad of issues such as misunderstandings, miscommunications, and clashing personalities. To tackle these conflicts, it is important to foster an environment that encourages open dialogue. This practice is not only essential in building relationships within a team but also in diffusing potentially explosive situations before they escalate…Read&Listen More
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Sustaining Team Performance
Sustaining team performance requires steady, consistent effort, and it is influenced by a variety of factors. One of these is the team’s purpose, which should be clear, compelling, and aligned with the organization’s goals. A team’s purpose guides its direction, establishes its priorities, and fuels its motivation. It’s the bedrock on which successful team performance is built. Without a clear purpose, members may lose sight of their roles and responsibilities, which can hinder the team’s progress and productivity…Read&Listen More