In 5 Steps to Forming a Team I wrote about a new job and a new team. The team has worked together for a while now and has moved from forming to storming. Periods of conflict and polarisation are passing and we are beginning to see some essential team behaviours emerge.
In this post I share with you 10 essential team behaviours. To succeed the team must share the same values and behaviours.
Essential Team Behaviours
How fortunate I am. I’m surrounded by a great team. These are the essential team behaviours I begin to see
- Awareness – Seeing what’s around you is important. But situational awareness—understanding the bigger picture—is even more significant since it leads to better decision making. We understand this. We understand the overall aims and interests of the business.
- Belief – We believe we can meet commitments and deadline together. We believe in each others’ ability. We embrace our diversity. Trusting and believing in the same things brings success.
- Challenge – Challenging things as they are whilst working collaboratively transforms both team and business. We aim to be different!
- Communicative – We spend time getting to know each other. We are creating connections. We realise that communication can make or break the team.
Leadership Thought
I am reminded of a story I heard about someone visiting NASA during the heyday of the manned space programme.
A visitor met various officials, scientists and engineers and asked them what they were doing. They replied “We are helping to put a man on the moon.”
On the way out the visitor passed a janitor (caretaker) who was sweeping and asked the same question. The janitor replied “I am helping to put a man on the moon.”
- Focus – Clear and measurable goals give direction to the team. The team works in unison to meet common goals. We know where we’re heading. And we understand the difficulties ahead.
- Honesty – Team members are open and honest with each other. We aim to create an environment where people are comfortable to speak openly.
- Motivation – A positive outlook and approach to our work makes for a more fulfilling and effective job. We want to succeed.
- Responsibility – Taking responsibility is crucial in any team. People take control because they are confident and realise their efforts influence decisions and outcomes.
- Optimism – Positive thinking is quite possibly the most important behaviour in the team. It’s about having a ‘can do’ attitude. That’s what we’ve got.
- Enthusiasm – People who are enthusiastic usually bring these behaviours together. We take responsibility for our actions and believe in what we are doing.
Great Teams
The world is divided into people who do things and people who get the credit. – Dwight Morrow
Great Teams Possess Essential Team Behaviours
This quotation is true… to a point. But consider this.
Unless you work alone the work you do is shaped by your manager—who may take some credit for your contribution—and in turn someone else will take credit for what they’ve done too! And so on all the way to the top.
Did Brunel build bridges? Certainly he was credited for building them. But the truth is he couldn’t have done it without the help of engineers, masons, smiths and labourers.
Great success comes from great teams. And great teams all boast the essential team behaviours.
Have Your Say
Could I have included any other essential team behaviours in this list? Please join the discussion.
Images: JKS Photos and Anon.
Great article Tristan, I really like the side story. It is so true when everyone on the team understands the purpose and goals of the company things move forward.
Have a great Sunday!
Tina
Hello Tina, Thanks for dropping by and commenting. I guess there’s also a powerful message about a shared vision here too. As ever, Tristan
PS. I don’t know why but I still cannot comment on your blog. I guess I’ll have to try another email address.