So many times I am asked what makes an effective team and they want an immediate remedy – it is as though if I say do A,B,C and you will instantly have a great team. I wish it were that simple. 

There are some basic things that need to be in place, however it is not done overnight nor is it done without a great deal of hard work on behalf of the leader as well as the team.

Here are a few of those little things that need to be in place

Teams are more likely to be effective when they:

•    Have clear objectives and a shared sense of purpose.
•    Have the right people with the relevant experience, capability and motivation to meet their objectives.
•    Are performing the right work in the most efficient way and are able to measure their success.
•    Have the right feedback mechanisms to enable them to learn from their actions in order to continuously improve their performance.
•    Work in a climate which encourages members to contribute.
•    Have leadership that is appropriate to the team’s mission and the stage of the team’s development.
•    Develop the right methods for working together.

Naturally there are other basics like communication, respect etc., but the list can be endless – however focus, listening and collaboration goes a long way.

Just looking at the few things that ought to be in place should indicate that great teams are not easy to create. However they are worth all the work you invest.