Building a Powerful Team: Foundational Characteristics

What differentiates a true team from simply a group of people? Groups do not become teams simply because someone labels them as a team. A team that successfully compounds power shares five characteristics: complementary skills, ongoing communication, and a collaborative spirit among those who are committed to a shared purpose and who hold themselves accountable.

Complementary Skills

First, a team has complementary skills that are corresponding rather than identical. Each team member brings a unique set of abilities and capacities to the effort, and the success of the team thrives when each person discharges his or her skills for the benefit of the organization. Stressing the power of complementary abilities, Andrew Carnegie stated, “I owe whatever success I have attained, by and large, to my ability to surround myself with people who are smarter than I am.” A team effort proves more effective and yields results that are typically more comprehensive than those of a group of people with mirroring talents.

Ongoing Communication

Second, a team engages in ongoing communication, which means teammates talk often, openly, honestly, and face-to-face (including virtually). They strategically use body language and voice tones. Staff members intentionally keep communication flowing freely instead of hiding behind e-mails and closed doors. Information and ideas transfer regularly between teammates with each giving whatever data is helpful to assist the whole.

Such collaboration thrives in a safe environment where team members share candidly, understanding that all thoughts are valued. If sarcasm, innuendoes, or ridicule are permitted in conversations, then the exchange of knowledge dramatically slows, and momentum will cease. Encouraging courtesy and openness of ideas yields a great return.

Collaborative Spirit

Next, the people who comprise teams have a collaborative spirit, with collective goals serving as partners, not lone rangers. Convinced that something bigger, better, and greater can be constructed, team members bring their endeavors into harmony. Each member recognizes that with many advisers and quality input, plans are more likely to succeed. Effective leaders regularly teach and exemplify this philosophy.

Team members are interdependent, enjoying rich interaction, sharing a common goal, and are invigorated by hearing, questioning, and sharpening each other’s ideas without feeling threatened by differing perspectives.

Common Purpose

Moreover, teams share a common purpose. Bobb Biehl and Ted Engstrom rightly stated, “A team forms around a dream. No dream, no team.” The best teams have invested a tremendous amount of time shaping a common purpose that everyone can own. Executive leadership has defined and agreed upon the direction and focus of a vision, objective, or goal to rally behind. Attempting to work together without a shared purpose will eventually disintegrate the team.

Team members’ hunger for quality participation is far more important to team success than team-building exercises, special incentives, or highly decorated team leaders. Powerful teams combine their complementary skills, ongoing communication, and a collaborative spirit to accomplish a mission, one that team members are passionate about accomplishing.

Accountable

Lastly, members of a team hold themselves accountable. Members of successful teams contribute and become accountable to their teammates, while protecting the team’s harmony and goals. They are serious, intentional, deliberate, and willing to yoke themselves together in good and bad times.

These five components help comprise an effective team, building a solid foundation for enduring, productive, and enjoyable teamwork.