Tips For A Dynamic and Effective Team

Do you want a high-performance team? But individuals on the team are at odds with each other?

One is too critical, another too cautious - and everyone has a know-it-all attitude. You wonder if you'll ever be able to build a high-performing team out of this rag-tag band.

You can build a great team out of a group of rough individuals. Here are 9 do's and don'ts to help you tackle this task:

1. Commit to a shared project.

Don't just meet and share status updates.

Do take up a shared goal and make it happen.

2. Mix and match talents - irrespective of roles.

Don't be limited by your roles.

Do discover team member talents and leverage them.

3. Clarify who's got the lead.

Don't assume you know who will do what.

Do make time to clarify expectations and assumptions.

4. Share success and challenges.

Don't just talk about projects and work tasks.

Do invite individuals to share challenges and successes.

5. Play in each other's sandboxes.

Don't let team members indulge in turf protection.

Do encourage collaboration on team projects.

6. Watch each other's backside.

Don't let faltering team mates hang out to dry.

Do set up peer coaching and support.

7. Learn from mistakes.

Don't allow team members to blame each other.

Do talk about what you can do differently next time.

8. Keep track of actions needed.

Don't leave a meeting without clarifying decisions made.

Do ask someone to take notes and distribute them.

9. Have fun together.

Don't just grind away at work tasks and details.

Do make time to laugh and play together.

 Actions to take

Invite team members to rate your team on each item. Use 1 to indicate low and 10 to indicate high. Identify from one to three areas you want to improve and take action.