High Performance Teams have certain characteristics and qualities and behave in ways that are distinct from ordinary teams. You may choose to add any of the following dimensions to enhance any of your team activities.
Commitment
Team members see themselves belonging to the team. They are committed to group goals above and beyond their personal goals and agendas. They are also flexible and committed to dealing with change.
Trust
Team members have faith in each other to honor commitments, maintain confidences, support each other, and generally behave predictably and consistently. They operate from their integrity and empower each other.
Purpose & Vision
The team understands how it fits into the overall business of the organization. Team members know their roles, feel a sense of ownership and can see how they personally and as a team, make a difference. Team goals align with personal goals.
Communication
Effective teams communicate openly and honestly and they do so effectively and frequently with each other and also communicate clearly and consistently with people outside the team about team activities. Effective internal communication allows these teams to make balanced decisions, handle conflict constructively and provide each other valuable feedback.
Involvement & Participation
Everyone has a role on the team and is willing to accept change as part of the healthy growth of the organization. Despite differences in roles, perspectives and experience, team members feel a sense of partnership with each other. Contributions are respected and expected. True consensus is reached when appropriate. There is a team identity and a sense of belonging that creates synergy.
Process Orientation
High performing teams have a large number of process tools they can use when needed. These tools would include: conflict resolution models, problem solving tools, planning techniques, behavioral agreements and ways to improve those processes.
Continuous Improvement
The team understands the importance of continuous improvement, has the tools, knowledge and time to make continuous improvement really happen. All the improvement efforts are done in support of the organization’s and team’s goals and objectives.
Collaboration
There is an environment of challenge, openness and safety. Team members can challenge the process, share their ideas and thoughts freely and they know that this is encouraged.
Accountability
Each team member is accountable for his/her behavior. Team members take responsibility for their actions and always operate with total integrity.
Empowerment
Team members regularly acknowledge each other and give each other genuine feedback…these behaviors are intended to strengthen the individual and the entire team.
