Does your team perform at or near its full capability? Does it achieve its objectives, producing measurable results?

Is your team a “real” team, and do team members enjoy working together? Do your team members communicate well together, and does your team behave as a united, harmonious group? Has your team discussed and agreed to a clear vision, a defined mission and well articulated goals?

If so, congratulations - you are a member of a great team!

Five characteristics of great teams:

• trust: When team members really trust each other, they feel comfortable with each other and no individual feels threatened or vulnerable. Each member of the team feels respected, honoured and valued. 

• no fear of conflict: When team members feel comfortable with each other, they are able to challenge each other’s views as they seek to genuinely understand each other’s opinions, motivations and feelings. Team menbers are able to discuss and resolve issues effectively and efficiently. Remember, conflict leads to debate, and proper debate leads to clarity. 

• commitment: Absent any fear of conflict, criticism or retribution, team members resolve issues readily, ultimately supporting and committing powerfully to action plans. 

• accountability: Given unwavering commitment, team members readily assume responsibility and accountability for their words and actions, always in the best interests of the team. 

• achievement: When the interests of the team are foremost in the minds of team members, overall team results take precedence over individual interests, driving teamwork and the achievement of team results.

Leadership versus management

Great teams don't happen without great leadership and great management.

Leadership inspires, whereas management explains what is expected and measures results. Leadership guides, whereas management navigates, explaining the who, what, why, where and how of things.

Leadership provides hope, whereas management analyses performance, and communicates with & motivates the team. Leadership is visionary, able to describe the future, whereas management maintains a steady course towards desired goals and objectives.

Leadership rallies the team to do what’s right, whereas management identifies issues and solves problems.

Leadership and management are clearly complementary. Both are required for great team performance - but leadership always trumps management