Teams That Accomplish The Impossible

Friday, 16. July 2010 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

Researchers studied exceptionally high performing teams – teams that consistently accomplish the “impossible” in challenging circumstances – and found 6 key factors that separated those teams from the rest.

(It is interesting that each factor related to how mutual understanding, trust, and respect were established in the team.  They found that effective communication, trust, and understanding created an environment where exceptionally high results could later be attained.)

These 6 elements were:

1) This is the work I am best at…  Research found that highly effective team members had a clear understanding regarding their personal strengths – the kind of work they do best.  In addition, each member had a mutual understanding of team member’s strengths.

2) These are my values… A person will not put their heart into something they do not personally value.  Commitment to exceptional work rises significantly, not when an individual is clear about the organization’s values, but when they are clear about their own values – and if those values then align with those of the organization.  Highly effective team members are able to communicate (and demonstrate) to others: “These are the values that matter most to me.”  And again… there is mutual understanding and respect on the team.

3) This is what energized me…  This may have nothing to do with work, and this is fine: “Here are some of my most compelling life interests and passions… These are the activities or pursuits I have a blast doing and make me feel the happiest.” Team members know each other at this deeper level.

4) This is what I need in order to learn and work at my best…  Team members need to understand how each member personally learns and works at their highest level.  For example: In their work environment, do they like music, or quiet?  What temperature do they work in the best?  What type of environment is the most productive?

5) These are the results I can be expected to deliver… Each team member needs to be clear, and communicate to the rest of the team: “You can count on me to deliver the following specific results, and by when.”  Members on highly effective teams know the answer to this question for each person.

6) This is what I need to feel genuinely respected and recognized… “To give my best at work, here’s what I need to feel genuinely respected and recognized as part of this team.”  Again, research has shown that there is mutual understanding (and respect) on highly performing teams.

Challenge: How accurately can you describe each of these 6 items about yourself?  How much do you know regarding the others who serve on your teams?  The clearer you are on these issues, the more effective your (and the team’s) performance will be.