Team Effectiveness

An effective team can help an organization achieve incredible results. A team that is not working can cause unnecessary disruption, failed delivery and strategic failure. (“Team Effectiveness Assessment 2010”) Teams can continuously improve their effectiveness by focusing on improving their functioning in key areas: Contextual, Composition and Process. (Robbins, Judge 2003)

Contextual

Context determines whether teams are successful. Having the adequate resources influence team effectiveness. Expert coaching and consistent readily assistance should be available to direct team members. Leadership and structure is a critical factor in team effectiveness. Leadership influences team outcomes through direct or indirect means. The climate of trust provides an environment where members feel safe to share their struggles and work together to understand one another. Negotiations between employees and managers are designed to improve work performance and provide recognition through reward systems. The evaluation component consists of interim reviews of goal progress, conducted by manager and employees, and formal performance evaluation. This assessment is designed to help employees take self-corrective action. (Nelson, Quick 2006) Reward systems are a tool that managers can use to get employee motivation in desired ways. The purposes of the reward system are to attract, retain and motivate qualified employees. It is an exchange for their contributions to the organization.

Composition

Team composition is critical for success. The important element about team composition is having a team that is effective working together. Collaboration and communication skills are two of most critical personal skills demanded of all members. The ability and willingness to recognize and value the different roles and contributions of team members is essential. While there are many personalities that inhibit a team's performance, there are others that help the team accomplish goals, tasks,...