Many workplaces require collaboration to accomplish projects or organizational goals. Teamwork can facilitate solutions to complex problems and improve productivity. High-performance teams in the workplace make this success possible by combining individual talents to achieve a common goal. Since the 1980s, organizations and companies have placed an increasing amount of importance on the use of teams in the workplace. Building a high-functioning team involves more than just delegating tasks to a random group of people; it requires forethought and an effective approach.
Figure out the team's purpose and assemble the group's members. For example, a research team may benefit from members with diverse backgrounds. Production teams and teams that form advisory panels and committees may benefit more by including people who can effectively work together. A September 2010 "Science" journal article by Anita Williams Woolley, et al, looked at the factors that contribute to group intelligence. The study found that the higher the number of females in the group, how well the group distributed turn-taking and the extent to which each group member was socially sensitive correlated with higher intelligence of the group as a whole. The authors theorized that because women generally score higher on social sensitivity, having more of them on a team makes the team smarter.
Identify a leader for the workplace team. An effective leader can motivate and enhance team performance by fostering communication among the team's members, keep the group on task and challenge members to work at their absolute best. Look for someone who possesses charisma and who uses a transformational style of leadership as these elements of a leader can inspire and motivate team members.
Meet with the team to discuss and define the group's purpose or mission. Think about why the team was formed, what problem is being addressed, whom the team's actions affect and the goals of your entire organization or company. A successful team must align its mission with the overall objectives or vision for the company or organization. Put your team's mission in writing so that the team can see the "big picture" and work with one common goal in mind.
Discuss the team's ground rules and solicit suggestions from each member. For example, discuss confidentiality, communication among group members and how disagreements will be handled. Explain that each person on the team has a specific role and that each person's idea or suggestion will be considered. Set practical rules, such as attendance at team meetings, how often and where the team will meet.
Set team goals. Measurable goals and benchmarks support the group's overall mission, but give the team a concrete objective. Think about the actions the team must take to achieve its overall purpose. Break these actions down into measurable, attainable goals and set a deadline for meeting each goal.
Distribute individual tasks among team members and develop a system of accountability. Depending on the types of tasks the group must accomplish, one, two or more people may be assigned to a single task. Accountability may involve requiring each member to report back to the team when a task is completed or has met an obstacle. For example, hold periodic meetings to check each other's progress so you know whether each member is on track and can offer help to a team member who may not be able to complete his task on time.
- Engage in team-building exercises to allow team members to get to know and develop rapport with one another and have a chance to work together.
- Clearwater Consulting Group Inc: Five Steps to Effective, High-Functioning Teams
- National Defense University: Creating and Managing Teams
- Discovery News; How to Measure the Wisdom of a Crowd; Jessica Marshall; September 2010
- Mind Tools: Team Charters
- Bob Urichuck Management; Team Purpose and Mission; 2007
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