Estimated Time to Read: 2 minutes 30 seconds
We all recognize and appreciate the success that comes with a great team. Whether it’s watching our favorite sports team playing for the championship, playing amateur sports, or engaging our team at work—we see, feel, and experience the difference between ordinary and great.
Great teams either have the best players, or players capable of becoming superb at what they do. And they are led by a great coach. But a great team requires more than that. They create a carefully designed game plan that is both agreed upon and well executed. They train to get better at what they do. They communicate effectively and call audibles when change is necessary. They help and depend on each other. There is mutual trust, respect, and appreciation of each team member and their individual talent is celebrated. And they work relentlessly to achieve their key goal which is to win. Period.
To be a great business, the same is true. Matter of fact, it is impossible to build and grow a great business without a great team to support it. And just like sports, we often see business teams burdened with dysfunction, individuals not playing to their abilities, position/talent misalignment, poor communication, lack of clarity of a well-designed game plan, and sometimes led by a leader ill-equipped to be effective in their role.
But a great team is more than people working together—it is a cohesive unit that collaborates effectively to a achieve a common goal. A goal committed to by each team member. Here are some key characteristics that define a great team:
- Clear Goals & Shared Vision
- Every team member understands and is aligned with the team’s mission and objectives
- There is a shared sense of purpose that motivates the group
- Strong Communication
- Open, honest, and respectful dialogue is encouraged
- Active listening and constructive feedback are practiced
- Team members feel safe expressing their opinions and ideas
- Trust and Mutual Respect
- Team members rely on each other and trust everyone will contribute
- Respect for different perspectives, skills, and roles within the team
- Defined Roles and Responsibilities
- Everyone understands their role and how they contribute to the overall success
- Clear expectations help prevent confusion and inefficiencies
- Collaboration & Cooperation
- A spirit of teamwork where members support each other rather than compete
- Willingness to share knowledge, resources, and responsibilities
- Accountability and Commitment
- Team members take ownership of their tasks and responsibilities
- High level commitment to the team’s success, even in challenging situations
- Adaptability & Problem-Solving Ability
- The team can adjust to new challenges and changes
- Creative problem-solving is encouraged, and setbacks are seen as learning opportunities
- Strong Leadership
- A leader (or leaders) who provides guidance, support, and motivation
- Leadership that fosters trust and empowers team members rather than micromanaging
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Different backgrounds, skills, and perspectives are valued
- An inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated.
- Positive & Supportive Culture
- A team culture that promotes encouragement, recognition, and well-being
- A focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance and reducing burnout.
A tactical first step to help elevate your team is take the Birkman Method Assessment. This assessment measures personality in context of what drives and motivates team members, identifies their unique, natural strengths and talents, and where they organically fit best within their respective organizations. tru has on staff a Certified Birkman Consultant who is skilled in taking teams through an in-depth bootcamp involving personal one-on-one’s with our Birkman Consultant to review their assessment results followed by scheduling an offsite with the entire advisory team to help build greater understanding of each team member’s unique personality, communication style, talent and even challenges that impact the greater good of their team.
So, how would you evaluate your yourselves? Are you a High-Performing Team? If your answer is "no", or "not sure"... let us know, we can help.