High Performing Teams

By: Shad Wheeler

A strong team is the foundation of high-performing business and a good team ethic can be held largely accountable for the success and smooth running of the organization. If employees do not gel and work well together, problems can arise, such as poor organization, missed deadlines and conflict within the workplace.

Great teams don't just happen. Those teams that fit together like puzzle pieces are the result of hard work and thoughtful leadership. Here are some of the characteristics of a highly effective team, according to scientific research.

Here are some of the characteristics of a highly effective team, according to scientific research:

Each Team Member Has Emotional Intelligence

Effective teams possess not only technical skills, but also emotional intelligence. In fact, studies have shown that emotional intelligence is more important than the IQ of each team member. It turns out that if individuals are socially aware, the whole group puts in better quality work.

A Good Mix of Introverts and Extroverts

A much discussed topic as of late, the balance of introversion and extroversion can affect how teams work. As a society, many often think of extroverts as doers, go-getters, superior team-players. Though the tide towards valuing individual strengths regardless of extroversion or introversion may be changing, extroverts are still often perceived as being more competent team members as they seem to get along with others more easily.

Everyone speaks

This takes courage and patience. There will be bad ideas. It will take time to hear them all. But, however the problem turns out; your team members will feel heard – and necessary. You are more likely to succeed and, meanwhile, you are building a highly effective team.

Share and Understand Common Goals

Your team members need to have common goals and shared ambitions in order to be as efficient as possible. A series of studies on military tactical teams has shown that efficient group work depends on how team members apply a shared understanding of the task.

Achieve sentience

Everyone worries about the day the machines will achieve sentience. What you should worry about instead is the day your team achieves it.

Make Time for Humor

Humor might not be such an obvious factor in the effectiveness of a team, but actually humor inspires trust and intimacy—which can lead to better team interactions.

Debate is productive

A good team can make decisions without getting bogged down in argument, run-on meetings, awkward silences, or the need to settle things with a vote. That doesn’t mean, though, that you can identify an effective team because it ensures quiet harmony.

Praise to fuel the mission

Rewards are glue that, when used well, create team cohesion. And doling out praise usually falls to the team leader. But for praise to work its cohesive properties on a team, you have to more than gather quantifiable data and give high-achievers raises and bonuses.

Communicate Proactively

Communication is obviously important, but what really matters is proactive communication. Proactive communication can be materialized in four ways:

• Team members provide information before being asked.
• They provide support and assistance before being asked.
• They take team initiative by providing guidance and making suggestions to other team members.
• They provide updates, creating situational awareness for other team members.

Strong Leadership at the Helm

Even when all the team members fit in with the above, teams still need great leadership. The role of the leader isn't only to set an example and to motivate team members, but also to provide effective feedback and to nurture the soft skills mentioned above. Even if you're not the manager of your team, you can still offer constructive criticism to your boss to help them, and to try and help create a stronger team.