25 Attributes of Effective Teams
If you take a magnifying glass and hold it up to most organizations recognized for their effectiveness, you will see that they have two characteristics in common; they have effective Leadership and they operate through effective Teams. If you believe the chicken came before the egg, then you would agree that it takes effective leadership to establish effective teams. Many organizations understand the value of teams and may even experiment with them when it comes to small projects, but I suspect this is still an ad hoc practice with no design or long term purpose. Companies in their early stages of growth or more mature organization losing growth momentum should assess how effective they are at nurturing and using teams to move their enterprise forward. If they do not focus on a team oriented culture, their quest for success will certainly be a more challenging one.
Let’s explore the attributes of effective teams:
Definition of an effective team- An effective team “is a small group of people who are mutually accountable to achieve a common purpose and performance goals through their collective talents and collaboration.” (Kristiina Hiukka, BigAgendaCoaching.com)
8 Attributes of an effective team leader:
- Creates a compelling mission for the team
- Knows the priorities: 1. team mission, 2. team, 3. individual members and 4. themselves
- Communicates concisely, clearly and openly (communication occurs when both sides understand what the other is trying to convey–until then it is just talking)
- Encourages feedback
- Supports and encourages diversity
- Supports members by mentoring and coaching
- Delegates authority and accountability
- Selects members for their skills and desire to participate
- Promotes continuous improvement
- Fosters a positive team culture
7 Attributes of an effective team member:
- Strong discipline skills
- Good communicator
- Proponent of working in teams
- Enjoys collaboration with other member
- Self motivated
- Strong work ethic
- Self-directed within team roles and responsibilities
10 Attributes of an effective team:
- Clear purpose
- On-going supportive leadership (coaching/mentoring)
- Enabling processes and structures
- Supportive organization
- Members possess the “right” skills
- Commitment and trust of members
- Clear roles and responsibilities
- Clear team ground rules and protocols
- Open communication
- Performance goals and accountability
- Adequate resources
- Support group diversity
- Members are us-directed
- Self-directed
- Driven to continuously improve
One Response to “25 Attributes of Effective Teams”
Bob, these are great descriptors of effective teams, team members and team leaders. Most people have an experience of a great team — or its opposite – and can list the qualities that should be present in a good team. But why is it that even though we KNOW what makes a good team, it is so hard to create those, lead them and sustain them?
Often in organizations people are expected to be skilled team players right off the bat. And unfortunately, playing on a team requires a skill set that is based on 1) awareness of team dynamics, 2) agreements around what these qualities mean in practical terms on the any particular team, and 3) specific team practices that create the best conditions in which teams can perform – aligned with the purpose of their function.
The qualiteis you listed are great, and they are only the first step in raising the awareness of what needs to be agreed upon and aligned around on each team out there.
Thanks for raising the very pertinent but complex issue of team leadership.
- Kristiina