Abstract: Based on significant research, Entelechy has defined characteristics of effective teams.

Entelechy reviewed over 50 studies on high performance teams and compiled a list of high performance team characteristics. We grouped characteristics into eight categories as indicated on the graphic below.

Participative Leadership

Aligned On Purpose And Vision

Task Focused

Shared Responsibility

Innovative

Problem Solving

Strong Communication

Responsive

Self Monitoring

See if your team shares characteristics of High Performance Teams. Circle the characteristics that describe your team; cross off those that don't describe your team.

PARTICIPATIVE LEADERSHIP

Envisioning leadership and organizing leadership

Clear leadership role that is shared

Enables people to make choices

Shared norms

Shared values

Members drawn to the team

Team identity

Belonging/membership

Synergism

Future focused


ALIGNED ON PURPOSE AND VISION

Common shared purpose

Clear shared vision

Self directing

High morale

Team goals align with personal goals and organization goals

Problem solving, not laying blame

Clear, shared understanding of team members' roles


TASK FOCUSED

Challenging tasks

Individual accountability/ownership

Equality in workload

Quality focus

Clear tasks and milestones

Mutual respect for ability

Commitment


SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Shared decision making

Rewards linked to team performance

Recognize expertise/value added in individuals

Cooperation

Clear standards of acceptable performance

Celebrates success

Clear authority and responsibility

Contribution

Members responsible for team success


INNOVATIVE

Creative talents

May promote personal relationships

Respect for individuals

Empowered and empowering


PROBLEM SOLVING

Upfront and direct; confronts issues not people

Trust

Clear decision-making process

Conflicts managed well

Freedom to express ideas

Freedom to share opinions


STRONG COMMUNICATION

Superb communication

Open communication

Openness

Clear communication channels

Share common language and terminology

External communications

Time managed well

Structure, purposeful meetings (facilitator, timekeeper, recorder, scribe)


RESPONSIVE

Unite/partner with other teams

Flexible

Outward focused

Focus on the customer

Allows risks and mistakes

Promotes group learning


SELF MONITORING

Self correcting; evaluates its own performance

Individuals pleased with work results

Assigns opposing views








Terence R. Traut is the president of Entelechy, Inc., a company that helps organizations unlock the potential of their people through customized training programs in the areas of sales, management, customer service, and training. Check out our 40 customizable modules, training tools, and eGuides at www.unlockit.com. Terence can be reached at 603-424-1237 or ttraut@unlockit.com