We believe that great teamwork is essential to an organization. It enables businesses to achieve goals that an individual working alone cannot. Employees can achieve a higher level of contentment and becoming part of something greater is the very fuel for happiness. In order to create an effective team, we have identified four necessary attributes:

Have The Purpose, Value or Charter In Writing

If you are going to achieve success, you must start by identifying your purpose, values, or charter in writing with buy-in from the executive team at the top through to those on the front lines and you should review it once a quarter.

Develop SMAART Goals

SMAART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Agreed upon, and Reasonable. You should plan these goals for the quarter, the year and three years out to measure progress. Without these goals teams may degenerate into talking about the goals without actual accomplishment.

Create Diverse Set of Skills

If you want to accomplish more, you need varied sets of skills, training, experience and backgrounds represented on the team. At times you will need a rebel to promote thinking and discussion or a calm facilitator if there are too many rebels.

Shared or Similar Values

You need people that have similar or shared values and know that they will be committed to fighting for the goals. This will promote good debate and healthy conflict. Part of being a great team is enjoying the war of ideas; it can be a positive way to figure out the best approach.

Some questions to consider:

• Does every employee know the organizational goals and how she/he specifically contributes to achieving them?

• Is everyone living the stated values – both in words and through their daily actions?

• Are you consistently using diversity as a competitive advantage?

If you are struggling with your team, and need help, we specialize in helping guide you to improvement. Contact our expert guides at 800-786-4332 or email CClemmer@AppliedVisionWorks.com. It only takes 30 minutes to get started!