Having a great work team is important for a whole host of reasons, but how do you know if your team is truly outstanding? What signs can you look out for and how can you ensure that these indicators of great teamwork are actually harnessed and result in something tangible for your business?
Strong Communication
Great teams communicate openly and regularly, they share information, throw around ideas, collaborate effectively and freely give each other open and honest feedback. If your team is holding regular team meetings and catch ups then that’s a good sign that communication is happening. If your team members are willing to give suggestions, to provide positive and constructive challenge and to actively listen to each other, again that indicates that communication in the team is working well, that teammates trust and respect each other and that everyone is on the same page and understands their role.
Diverse Skill Sets and Perspectives
A great team is typically made up of a mix of people who each bring their own set of unique skills and perspectives to the table. Diversity in skills and backgrounds commonly leads to more creative solutions and innovation from a team. A well balanced team will comprise of team members with varied skills, knowledge and experience, this leads to great opportunities for team members to play a role in helping each to develop and learn. Diversity also bring different viewpoints, ideas and approaches to problem solving.
Mutual Trust and Respect
Trust and respect are basic elements of a cohesive, functional team. In a great team, team members trust each other’s abilities, respect each other’s opinions, and value each other’s contributions. This mutual respect fosters a supportive and positive workplace atmosphere. If team members display reliability and commitment to the team and its success that is a great indicator of trust and respect for colleagues in the team. Teams who recognise both individual and collective achievements and have a culture of support where members help each other to succeed are also likely to be great teams in the long term as team members will feel valued and this will encourage each person to give their best in order to contribute to the greater good.
Shared Vision and Goals
A great team is united by a common vision and shared goals. This alignment ensures that everyone is working towards the same objectives, which enhances focus and efficiency. Signs that your team have shared visions and goals are if the team is working towards clearly defined objectives, that might be individual tasks or a collective team effort to deliver a project. Teams who work in this way will ensure that all team members understand their contributions towards the overall mission and will be able to track performance towards the established goals. When everyone is pulling in the same direction, it increases motivation and drives collective success.
High Levels of Engagement and Morale
Engagement and morale are clear indicators of a great team. Engaged employees are passionate about their work and committed to the team’s success. High morale often results from a positive work environment, recognition, and opportunities for growth. You’ll know if your team is engaged and has high levels of morale if the team members are enthusiastic and actively participate in team activities and discussions. Other indicators of engaged teams are low staff turnover, low rates of absence and high levels of job satisfaction. Essentially staff look forward to coming to work and enjoy being with their colleagues.
Knowing the signs of a great team is one thing, but fostering such a team requires a conscious effort. A great team doesn’t just happen overnight. Employers need to understand and appreciate the collective power of a great team and by investing time and effort in creating these teams they will see their business thrive.
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Why not also check out our blog on a similar topic HR Help: How to Nurture a Winning Team
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