How do you create purposeful teams?

1 Define and communicate the purpose

The first step to create purposeful teams is to define and communicate the purpose of your team, project, or organization. What is the problem you are trying to solve, the value you are creating, or the difference you are making? How does your purpose align with the broader goals and vision of the organization and the stakeholders? How does your purpose inspire and engage your team members and customers? As a servant leader, your role is to articulate the purpose clearly, compellingly, and consistently, and to ensure that everyone understands and embraces it. You can use various tools and methods, such as storytelling, vision boards, mission statements, or SMART goals, to convey the purpose and make it tangible and measurable.

3 Encourage and model learning

The third step to create purposeful teams is to encourage and model learning and growth. Purposeful teams are not static or complacent, but dynamic and adaptable. They are always looking for ways to improve their processes, products, and outcomes, and to learn from their successes and failures. They are also open to new perspectives, challenges, and opportunities, and willing to experiment and innovate. As a servant leader, your role is to foster a culture of learning and curiosity in your team, and to demonstrate it yourself. You can do this by setting and reviewing learning objectives and outcomes, providing and seeking feedback, celebrating and learning from mistakes, and providing and accessing learning opportunities and resources.

4 Align and connect the team

The fourth step to create purposeful teams is to align and connect the team with the larger context and community. Purposeful teams are not isolated or self-contained, but part of a bigger system and network. They are aware of how their purpose relates to the needs and expectations of their customers, partners, and other stakeholders, and how they can leverage their strengths and resources to create value and impact. They are also connected to other teams and groups within and outside the organization, and seek to collaborate and share best practices and insights. As a servant leader, your role is to help the team align and connect their purpose with the external environment and the internal culture. You can do this by clarifying roles and responsibilities, establishing and maintaining relationships, building trust and rapport, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

5 Review and renew the purpose

The fifth step to create purposeful teams is to review and renew the purpose periodically and as needed. Purpose is not a fixed or static concept, but a dynamic and evolving one. It may change or evolve over time, due to internal or external factors, such as feedback, results, opportunities, or challenges. It may also lose its relevance or resonance, due to changes in the team composition, motivation, or performance. As a servant leader, your role is to monitor and evaluate the purpose regularly, and to initiate and facilitate changes or adjustments when necessary. You can do this by collecting and analyzing data, soliciting and incorporating feedback, involving the team in decision making, and communicating and implementing changes effectively.

6 Celebrate and appreciate the purpose

The sixth and final step to create purposeful teams is to celebrate and appreciate the purpose and the team. Purposeful teams are not only productive and impactful, but also joyful and grateful. They are proud of their achievements, grateful for their opportunities, and appreciative of their contributions. They also recognize and celebrate the achievements, opportunities, and contributions of others, both within and outside the team. As a servant leader, your role is to create and sustain a positive and appreciative atmosphere in your team, and to express your gratitude and recognition regularly. You can do this by acknowledging and rewarding efforts and results, sharing stories and testimonials, organizing events and activities, and expressing your personal appreciation and admiration.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?