Is your team really a TEAM? *

A team is a relatively small number of people (from three to twelve) who meet on a regular basis and are collectively responsible for results. The team members share common goals as well as the rewards and responsibilities for achieving them. Not every group is a team. For example, a group that appears to be a team might simply be a collection of people who report to the same manager, but who have relatively little interdependence and mutual accountability. If a group does not meet the criteria of a true team, this process is unlikely to produce the results they expect.

Is your team ready for “heavy lifting”? *

The advantages of being a highly functioning team are enormous. But they can only be achieved if the team is willing to invest considerable time and emotional energy in the process. It will not work if the team is interested only in shortcuts and half-measures.

Are you as the leader truly committed to building a team? *

The fact is that leadership matters. For a team to be successful, the leader must understand the power of teamwork and be prepared to lead the effort in terms of setting an example and dedicating time to it. Still, it is important to note that many leaders who seem uninterested in teamwork are often just skeptical about the possibility of achieving it or afraid that acknowledging the need for it might reflect poorly on them. In these cases, success is possible as long as team leaders are willing to start the process with good intentions.

There is a strong degree of open and honest Trust in your team. *

Members of your team effectively engage in productive Conflict. *

There is a high degree of Commitment from each member of your team to the overall success of the team. *

There is a high degree of Accountability in your team when it comes to taking responsibility for goals set for the team. *

Your team achieves its targeted Results on a regular basis. *