Whether looking at the world of business, sports, or just plain life; effective teamwork is a sought-after skill. Because of technological advances, we live in a world more connected and collaborative than ever. Now you are as apt to hold a face-to-face meeting via computer with someone halfway around the world as to sit across a desk from someone in the upstairs conference room. A diversely dispersed workforce requires employees to demonstrate strong teamwork skills. Regardless of whether interactions are virtual or in-person, here are some skillsets for successful teams.
Consider these four essential skillsets for creating and developing successful teams:
1. Revolving Communication
Team success will rise and fall on this foundational practice. With thorough communication, the team can clarify expectations and mutually understand the goals, mission, and purpose of whatever task they’ve been asked to accomplish. Excellent communication is a conduit for trust, positivity, and the resolution of inevitable issues. Remember, minimal communication leads to greater frustration and no communication is sure to bring about failure. A successful team will always foster good communication practices. This skill requires intentionality to master.
2. Intentional Collaboration
A successful team recognizes diverse ways of thinking to result in better solutions, improvements, and innovation. The application of such awareness is a strength to foster and celebrate. When members are encouraged to share their diverse perspectives, creative ideas, and professional experience, it’s a win-win for any team. As team members increasingly feel what they bring to the table is valued, you will witness highly successful collaboration at its finest. Sometimes the integration of a collaborative process is more valuable in the long run than the outcome of the initial task at hand.
3. Applied Commitment
Develop an atmosphere of mutual belonging and you will see a team deeply committed to the group as a whole. Teams that share a deep commitment to reaching mutually set goals will actively pursue the group’s decisions and plan of action. Through a commitment to the team as well as its goals, each member invests in the outcome and the processes required in getting there. A committed team won’t just pull off to the side when there are bumps in the road. They will work together to look for ways around obstacles. An “all-in” team member who knows they are not alone in their efforts will proactively contribute toward a successful outcome. Remember to ask upfront for each member’s commitment.
4. Continuous Improvement
A successful team consistently reviews where they are, how they got there, and if where they are going is still the best destination. Such a team recognizes that what works well in one situation might not in another. It also grants itself permission to continuously improve in any way that helps it move toward its goals, a better process, or deeper trust between members.
Have you or your team struggled with one or more of these four essential skills? If you want an experienced guide to help developing skillsets for successful teams, contact us today. At TurningWest, we care about helping your team gain traction when it comes to healthier and more resourceful ways of reaching its goals.
