Building a Dynamic Team That Works
As unique as our fingerprints, each of us has talents and abilities that are very different from the people around us. There will always be a need for each of us to contribute our unique talents to the workplace. But, there are times when going it alone just isn't enough.

When is it desirable to form workplace teams?

1. Work load is too much for one person;

2. Work requires more than one set of skills for completion;

3. Work affects others & you need their input (AND their "buy-in");

4. Working together is mandated by the organization.

It takes effort and time to mold a group of individuals into an effective and high performing team. It takes purpose, planning, commitment, and a willingness to act. Simply identifying team members and shared goals isn't enough.

The success of any team depends on the individuals making up that team. If team members don't aren't in alignment of purpose, have poor communication skills, are in constant conflict, don't share a common goal and don't respect each other, the team will not succeed.

Great teams are natural learning centres where interaction with others provides a source of energy and stimulation. Teamwork can create an opportunity for organizational and personal growth by allowing team members to S.O.A.R. with:

Support:
People are different. Support and appreciate the differences.

Optimize:
Use everyone's talents. Creativity expands with others.

Alignment:
Align WHAT you do with WHO you are. Keep your values close.

Reward:
Know the results & goals you need. Celebrate your team's successes.

Building a high performance team requires that each team member recognize their personal strengths, appreciate the differences in others and then use that knowledge to work together to achieve specific goals.

For example, it takes an entire sports team to win a game, not just a goal scorer or goalie working alone. Together they can win. Alone, they may be point leaders, but not as effective as when the whole team faces an opponent. The same is true at work.

Functioning as a team on the workplace can this kind of a synergistic effect on your work team's performance. Each team member builds on each other's performance and the result is greater than if each person produced on their own.

This kind of high performing, dynamic team will also give a positive, esteem-building impact on its team members and on the people around them.

Want to create a Team That Works? Here are some Tips that can help you and your team to synergize!

Stretch:
Your strength maximized becomes a liability. Try getting out of your comfort zone once in a while and do an activity that will develop another skill area.

Begin With Your SELF:
If you know what makes you comfortable, and what makes others comfortable, it is easier to collaborate and negotiate with those who are different.

Communicate:
Simple, basic communication about why you are acting the way you are goes a long way to make people feel more accepting of differences in a team.

Celebrate Success:
Team members who make positive efforts to learn and grow should be recognized. Take the time to say "thank you", "well done" or "good effort".

Finally . . .
Remember...everyone has something to offer. The most productive teams are the ones that can harness diversity, and maximize their people potential through mutual respect, common goals and excellent communication!

**********

Joan Grobb Augustino , Career & Personality Specialist , helps people and companies perform better by aligning WHO they are with WHAT they do for better balance, attitudes, teams and career development practices.

Caution! Joan’s keynote speeches & training events have been known to cause laughter, increased self-esteem and joy of work – and life! The information contained herein is intended as a tool to assist in professional and personal development. The writer is not responsible for any outcomes as a result of using the information. Joan invites your comments and questions at: joan@coreperformancegroup.com or at www.coreperformancegroup.com

Bringing LIFE to WORK and WORK to LIFE!

Joan Grobb Augustino & Core Performance Group. Copyright 2008.
All rights reserved.
Permission to reprint this article for educational and professional development purposes is granted providing the above footer and copyright is printed along with it.