Does it really matter if teamwork exists in an organization? What are the consequences of effective teamwork and lack of teamwork?

“If you could get all the people in an organization rowing in the same direction, you could dominate any industry, in any market, against any competition, at any time”
~ Patrick Lencioni, author
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

We’ve all been part of effective and ineffective teams. Which of the following teams described below would you rather join, check all that apply:

A Team has team members who:

  • Tap into the skills and opinions of all team members
  • End discussions with clear and specific resolutions and calls to action
  • Make better, faster decisions
  • Achieve buy in from everyone and focus on the right issues
  • Are personally invested, accountable, and engaged in achieving results

B Team has team members who:

  • Are unwilling to brainstorm and compromise, share ideas and support one another
  • Waste time on politics, personal attacks and destructive conflict
  • Revisit discussions and decisions again and again
  • Avoid face-to-face discussions and vent in the hallway
  • Miss deadlines and key deliverables

Which one did you choose?
Most people will of course choose A Team. Why, because we want to be part of a collaborative team who achieves success. If we’re honest about it, how many of us are actually part of a B Team, are unhappy about the unproductive interaction and lack of results, but continue on, day after day? Many of us see the problems within the team and are not sure of the solution, and if we do see the solution we would need the cooperation of everyone on the team to make the change.

Place Your Team on Pause
At the start of your next team meeting, pose the question; is our team as effective as we want it to be? Give them the list of A Team and B Team and ask them to assess your team’s current behaviors as well as picturing a different future. Finally, create an action plan for improvement. Just think, work can actually be more pleasurable and less stressful!

The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team™ has a simple goal: To facilitate a learning experience that helps professionals and their organizations discover what it takes to build a truly cohesive and effective team.

Management Skills Resource, Inc. is pleased to have been certified as an Authorized Partner for this process – The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team™. Contact us at: info@ManagementSkillsInc.com or call 972 881-5282 to begin your team’s journey to results.