Free Team Building Activities

Characteristics of High Performance Teams

by: Terence R. Traut

Abstract: Based on significant research, Entelechy has defined characteristics of effective teams.

Entelechy reviewed more than 50 studies on high-performance teams and compiled a list of key characteristics. These characteristics were then grouped into eight categories, as outlined below.

1. Participative Leadership
2. Aligned On Purpose And Vision
3. Task Focused
4. Shared Responsibility
5. Innovative
6. Problem Solving
7. Strong Communication
8. Responsive
9. Self Monitoring

See if your team shares characteristics of High Performance Teams. Circle the characteristics that describe your team; cross off those that don't describe your team.

PARTICIPATIVE LEADERSHIP

• Envisioning leadership and organizing leadership
• Clear leadership role that is shared
• Enables people to make choices
• Shared norms
• Shared values
• Members drawn to the team
• Team identity
• Belonging/membership
• Synergism
• Future focused

ALIGNED ON PURPOSE AND VISION

• Common shared purpose
• Clear shared vision
• Self directing
• High morale
• Team goals align with personal goals and organization goals
• Problem solving, not laying blame
• Clear, shared understanding of team members' roles

TASK FOCUSED

• Challenging tasks
• Individual accountability/ownership
• Equality in workload
• Quality focus
• Clear tasks and milestones
• Mutual respect for ability
• Commitment

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

• Shared decision making
• Rewards linked to team performance
• Recognize expertise/value added in individuals
• Cooperation
• Clear standards of acceptable performance
• Celebrates success
• Clear authority and responsibility
• Contribution
• Members responsible for team success

INNOVATIVE

• Creative talents
• May promote personal relationships
• Respect for individuals
• Empowered and empowering

PROBLEM SOLVING

• Up front and direct; confronts issues not people
• Trust
• Clear decision-making process
• Conflicts managed well
• Freedom to express ideas
• Freedom to share opinions

STRONG COMMUNICATION

• Superb communication
• Open communication
• Openness
• Clear communication channels
• Share common language and terminology
• External communications
• Time managed well
• Structure, purposeful meetings (facilitator, timekeeper, recorder, scribe)

RESPONSIVE

• Unite/partner with other teams
• Flexible
• Outward focused
• Focus on the customer
• Allows risks and mistakes
• Promotes group learning

SELF MONITORING

• Self correcting; evaluates its own performance
• Individuals pleased with work results
• Assigns opposing views

About The Author

Terence R. Traut is the president of Entelechy, Inc., a company that helps small businesses and larger organizations unlock the potential of their people through customized training programs in the areas of sales, management, customer service, and training. Check out our 40 customisable modules, training tools, and eGuides at- www.unlockit.com.

Team Building Activities - www.unlockit.com

Terence can be reached at 603-424-1237
or email- ttraut@unlockit.com

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'Free Team Building Activities' Resources

Corporate Team Building Exercises to Improve Office Teamwork
Corporate exercises that work to measurably impact the bottom-line of your office. Free tips and games to improve teamwork.
https://www.buildingyourteam.com/

Corporate Team Building Events UK
UK based corporate team building events company - Progressive Resources.
https://www.teambuilding.co.uk/

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