subject: How you can create high-performance teams [print this page] How you can create high-performance teams
The fact that the word "team" applied to a work group comes from a sports analogy is no accident.
Just as in sports like football, basketball and soccer, a work team is a group of people all striving toward the same goal. To reach their goal they have to collaborate and combine resources, because no one is capable of doing it alone. This is what differentiates teams from just any group of people who work together.
Based on this definition of a team, it follows that the first job of team leaders is to make the goals clear to the members. Leaders must be able to communicate a vision of success a goal to assure that all team members are moving in the same direction and that it is the right direction.
Leaders must remove obstacles that prevent the team from reaching its goals. This includes tasks such as getting the team needed resources, securing training when team members lack necessary knowledge or skills and going to bat for them with upper management to change a policy and discuss the options.
If it sounds this simple, why do so many teams flounder? Because to be successful and to work well together, a team must be cohesive. In other words, it has to gel. Following are some team-building strategies for managers who want to create high-performance teams.
Earn their trust
When people trust leaders, they are more loyal and devoted to them. You can earn trust by sharing information as quickly and fully as possible, and by always saying what you mean and meaning what you say. When you tell them something, team members shouldn't have to wonder what you really meant.
Inspire their confidence
Team members need to know that their managers are competent and on top of things. You can earn this confidence by being committed to the team's goals and being proactive and energetic in the pursuit of them. When problems emerge, don't ignore them. Take action and explain what you and others are doing to resolve the problem.
Encourage communication
Involve the team in decisions that affect them. Ask people what they think. Allow disagreement. Not only is it good for morale, but you will reach better decisions as a result. Learn to ask open-ended, unassuming questions that is, questions that don't presume you already know the answer. Then listen. Really listen.
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