A3 Characteristics of Effective Teams
Unit 9: Teambuilding in Business. Resources for BTEC Business Studies
Effective teams work together in a way that leads to them successfully achieving their goals. Typical characteristics of effective teams include;
A sense of purpose
Prioritisation of team goals
Clear roles for all members
Clear lines of authority and decision-making
Conflict dealt with openly
Personal traits appreciated and utilised
Group norms set for working together
Success is shared and celebrated
Trained and skilled members
Good interpersonal relationships
All team members have the opportunity to contribute.
Sense of Purpose
Team leaders can develop a shared sense of purpose by defining clear objectives and through open communication. By understanding how individual efforts are aligned with the goals of the team and overall organisation, team members feel more connected to the company mission and become more motivated to try their best.
Prioritisation of Team Goal
When members of a team prioritise the team goals over individual ambitions, they become aligned in their efforts. By working together, they can establish methods to improve efficiency and become more productive as a whole.
Members Have Clear Roles
By establishing clear roles for each member of the team, leaders can ensure that each member understand what is expected of them and of others which improves communication and collaboration, reduces duplicated tasks and improves productivity.
Clear Lines of Authority and Decision-Making
A clear leadership structure in teams allocates people responsible for different tasks, who is responsible for different decisions and who is accountable for results. This can support teamwork by making it easier for staff to resolve problems because they know who they can speak to about any issues they encounter.
Conflict Dealt With Openly
When working in teams, conflict may arise when there are differing opinions on how to best approach decisions. Effective teams deal with conflict openly through communication and positive relationships to ensure transparency. This reduces feelings of being overlooked which can lower morale
Personal Traits Appreciated and Utilised
Teams are made up of people who each hold different personality traits. All personalities have strengths and limitations and when leaders identify and value traits in members that complement those lacking in others, they can create more cohesive teams and more supportive environments.
Group Norms Set for Working Together
Group Norms are the agreed rules and guidelines on how team members will conduct themselves and interact with each other. These may be spoken or unspoken rules that make the working environment more predictable when followed. Examples may include punctuality and active listening.
Success Shared and Celebrated
When the team takes time to recognise and celebrate the successes of the team or individuals in the team, a supportive culture is encouraged. This can strengthen relationships and build camaraderie in the team while motivating them to strive for ambitious goals.
Trained and Skilled Members
When team members have been supported in developing the skills and knowledge to perform their roles well, they can contribute effectively to overall team goals. Strong team relationships can be developed as highly skilled workers can collaborate more easily.
Good Interpersonal Relationships
Interpersonal relationships are those which fulfil our personal social needs. When team members' relationships extend beyond professional duties, empathy and open communication is improved which strengthens the team's foundation.
All Have the Opportunity to Contribute
When every member of the team is encouraged and empowered to contribute their ideas, skills and experience the whole team benefits. This is through solving problems by using a diverse range of perspectives and increased engagement from making staff feel valued.
