4 Factors That Make Teams Work Together Well - The Muse

4 Factors That Make Teams Work Together Well - The Muse4 Factors That Make Teams Work Together WellIt would be remiss of me to write an article about teams without using this old nugget, so Im just going to get it out of the way, and then we can all move on. Theres no I in team. There, I said it. But now that Ive typed it out, Ive noticed its an anagram of mate. That sounds better already, right? Your team can also be a mate, a pal, a best bud. And if thats really the case for you, then congratulations Youve hit the work jackpot.But, on the other hand, they can sometimes be hotbeds of partieality clashes, misunderstandings, differing work styles and- small wonder after all that- a revolving door of unhappy ex-colleagues. What are the factors that make some slick, high-performing units, while others couldnt organize the proverbial craft beer tasting session in an artisanal brewery?Well, for me there are four factors process, climate, focus, and flow (dont worry, Ill explain). If you d ont have balance where these critical pillars are concerned, then your team is likely to be a tense and tricky place to spend your 40-plus hours a week. So, if youre looking to improve the way everyone works together, read on1. ProcessYou might be a group of creative geniuses, but unless there is some structure in place, the output isnt likely to be that inspiring. All teams, no matter their function, need processes- and I dont just mean How Things Are Done. Im talking people processes, too.Things like, does everyone have clarity of purpose, both individually and for the team? Are there efficient interdependencies going on, and does everyone know who to work with on specific projects? Do they have the right mix of skills and styles to complement each other professionally and gel on a personal level too?If people dont know where they stand, in relation to whom, and what the point of it all is, then you have a problem. One you get these things locked down, everyone can breathe, safe i n the knowledge that theyre doing the right things, for the right reasons- and with the best possible people.2. FocusWhats the vision for your team, and does every member share in it? Because if your groups lacking in a strong mission, it will also lack potency and self-belief. A shared vision brings with it accountability, a commitment to getting stuff done, and a strong desire to deliver. It also puts you all automatically on the same side, and that counts for a lot when youre coasting along, unsatisfied and looking for something to believe in.And if your people are drifting aimlessly along, its focus changing with every quarterly review, then this is an occasion where a strong leader really needs to take the helm, gather the troops and generally inspire the team like their life depends on it. Youll need to promote the company purpose and the mission of the group, and then make sure every single person knows their part in accomplishing it.3. ClimateIf you could do a weather report on the people you work with, what would you say? Would it be looking stormy overhead, with some black clouds moving in? Or are you looking ahead to weeks of unbroken sunshine? OK, these are the two extremes, and most teams will vary as people, workload, and focus change- but there were likely some honest words that leapt to your lips when I asked that question. Teams want to get stuff done- thats why they exist after all. But if the output comes at the expense of respect, honesty, and trust, then theres likely to be a big revolving door on the office which just keeps on spinning. Creating a climate in which everyone feels able to be candid, in which mutual respect is the default, and where everyone is enabled to be productive isnt a quick or easy task, but its completely, utterly necessary to get the best possible output. 4. FlowHands up if youve ever been in a team working in perfect flow? Just like they say about being in love, if youre not sure, then you havent. And if you have, then youll remember it as an exhilarating, motivating, rush-of-blood-to-the-head halcyon time of your career. A group of people in full flow is a beautiful thing to behold. Innovative, agile, bubbling over with more ideas than they can handle, and working in true harmony. And on the other hand, a team where each person is working without the safety net of cohesion and trust can be a pretty ugly place too. It might take a lot of work to reach full flow- everyone has to be fully on board, and that alone can be a hard-fought battle. But when youre all in, everything is possible. So, if youre the leader of a team that isnt working, and you just cant figure out whats wrong- think about the balance of the four pillars of process, focus, climate and flow. Yes, I know that transforming into a high-performing unit can seem daunting- if not impossible- but by looking at each of these separate factors in turn, you can begin to build a strategy that will lead you toward true team success.