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

About The Author

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