Complex Thoughts
Teamwork
CLEAR, ELEVATING GOALS
- There must be a clear understanding of the goals and a belief that the goals embody worthwhile results.
- Goal clarity implies that there is a specific performance objective. Measurable goals make it easier to celebrate successes along the way.
- A goal can be elevating because it challenges or stretches the limits, offering an opportunity to excel.
RESULTS-DRIVEN STRUCTURE
- Establish clear roles and accountabilities — each member must understand what they are accountable for. Everyone is accountable all the time on successful teams.
- Establish an effective communication system. Listening is crucial; that information that is available must emerge from credible sources; there must be opportunities for team members to raise issues not on the formal agenda; and an effective communication system must possess methods for documenting issues raised and decisions made.
UNIFIED COMMITMENT
- Develop a mission statement together. Your team needs to be included so that they buy in to the purpose of what you are about.
- Commitment is simply expending mental and physical energy.
- Involvement enhances commitment. Participation in all areas increases motivation.
BUILD TRUST
- Honesty. Integrity. No lies, no exaggerations.
- Openness. A willingness to share, and receptivity to information and ideas.
- Consistency. Predictable behavior and responses.
- Respect. Treating people with dignity and fairness.
STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE
- Clearly articulate a set of standards for performance.
- It is important to individual team members to require one another to perform according to the established standards of excellence.
- Each performance is an opportunity to discover ways of doing it better next time.
SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS. RECOGNIZE TEAM MEMBERS.
ADAPTED FROM COUGAR CLUES, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA–MORRIS, AND TEAMWORK BY CARL LARSON AND FRANK LAFASTO.
