The high performance of teams is an art not a science. That said, like good art, teams combine elements that when done well can enable performance (see this post). Because teams are at the heart of every excellent business they have been studied, measured considered and explored. The following 14 points are a summary of many such investigations and may support the analysis of your team:
- Clear vision and purpose
- Identity as a team
- Composed of the right balance of roles to get the job done
- Made of skilled and effective individuals clear about their roles
- Constructive and harmonious relationships within the team
- Effective leadership
- Individual learning and development of team members
- Sound processes
- Open to change and creative
- Completion- seeing it through
- Recognition for success
- Good internal communications
- Effective communication to other teams and stakeholders
- Regular review of performance
How are you doing from 0-20 in each area?
Use the following grid mark with an X where you believe your team sits in each area. This can provide a great opening for a conversation about what GOOD or EVEN BETTER could look like! Once you’re done ask: Could it be better? Get in touch to discuss your ideas!
| 0-4 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-20 | ||
| Unclear | Clear purpose | ||||
| No identity | Identity | ||||
| Unbalanced role | Balance of roles | ||||
| Skills shortage | Skilled | ||||
| Disharmony | Harmony | ||||
| Ineffective leadership | Effective leadership | ||||
| Low L&D | High L&D | ||||
| Poor processes | Sound processes | ||||
| Closed to ideas | Open and creative | ||||
| Nothing gets finished | On time completion | ||||
| Un-recognised | Recognised for success | ||||
| Poor internal comms | Effective internal comms | ||||
| No-one knows what you do | The work is understood outside the team | ||||
| Never review/reflect | Regularly review |