I think we use the word team too casually these days. A team…at least a healthy team…is not just a group of people who perform a common task. That may be a group, but it shouldn’t be called a team. I’ve written on healthy teams before:
10 Characteristics of a Healthy Team
Signs of an Emotionally Healthy Team
You can tell a healthy team by how it responds to each other and how it performs as a team.
A healthy team:
- Encourages other team members regularly…
- Cares for the team member personal life outside the team…
- Assists other team members during crunch periods…
- Cross trains one another for different roles on the team…
- Challenges each other when needed, working towards the best solution for the team…
- Ensures everyone on the team gets credit for a win…
- Applauds other team member’s success…
- Values input from everyone on the team…
- Defends one another from outside attacks…
- Protects the integrity and vision of the team, even over personal interests…
The word “team” comes with a certain expectation that is more than people simply performing a function together. If you want people to feel and play as a team, then they must perform as a team.
What would you add to my list?
Have you served on a healthy team?
Have you served with a group who thought they were a team, but were really just a group of people?
Do you recognize the difference?
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Love the list, Ron. I would add that a great team "invites healthy debate" in the spirit of innovation and customer focus. Also, to ensure avoidance of status quo, they often ask just before making an important decision, "What's the important question we still have not asked that should be voiced before we move forward?"
Great add!
'Not being too sensitive to other members' negative comments by focusing on the the shared goal', may I add?
Very good
Thank you so much for this great word it is a seasonal message
Thanks!
Its been awhile since I’ve commented, but this is really good. Rethinking my staffs culture. Thanks Ron.
I would add (I hope this doesn't contradict) – everyone knows their role and is allowed to perform it without interference. I always think of Shaq and Kobe Bryant when they were both with the Lakers.
I agree. That's good
Great list, Ron. I would add:
Communicates ideas, visions & even problems. Teams shouldn't just assume everyone is in "the know".
Good add