Do you want a high-performance team? But individuals on the team are at odds with each other?
One is too critical, another too cautious - and everyone has a know-it-all attitude. You wonder if you'll ever be able to build a high-performing team out of this rag-tag band.
You can build a great team out of a group of rough individuals. Here are 9 do's and don'ts to help you tackle this task:
| 1. Commit to a shared project. |
Don't just meet and share status updates. |
Do take up a shared goal and make it happen. |
| 2. Mix and match talents - irrespective of roles. |
Don't be limited by your roles. |
Do discover team member talents and leverage them. |
| 3. Clarify who's got the lead. |
Don't assume you know who will do what. |
Do make time to clarify expectations and assumptions. |
| 4. Share success and challenges. |
Don't just talk about projects and work tasks. |
Do invite individuals to share challenges and successes. |
| 5. Play in each other's sandboxes. |
Don't let team members indulge in turf protection. |
Do encourage collaboration on team projects. |
| 6. Watch each other's backside. |
Don't let faltering team mates hang out to dry. |
Do set up peer coaching and support. |
| 7. Learn from mistakes. |
Don't allow team members to blame each other. |
Do talk about what you can do differently next time. |
| 8. Keep track of actions needed. |
Don't leave a meeting without clarifying decisions made. |
Do ask someone to take notes and distribute them. |
| 9. Have fun together. |
Don't just grind away at work tasks and details. |
Do make time to laugh and play together. |
Actions to take
Invite team members to rate your team on each item. Use 1 to indicate low and 10 to indicate high. Identify from one to three areas you want to improve and take action.