Trends & Articles
Team Transformation
By Nan Valentine
Published on Monday, March 5th, 2007 under Team Dynamics
Our team is floundering, even though we used to be effective. It seems like work and personality style differences are getting in the way. How can our team make better decisions?
These are some of the comments and questions I hear from clients as I work with teams. Just about everyone believes in the concept of teamwork. Why, then, do we sometimes relate so well to Lily Tomlin’s observation that, “We’re all in this alone.”
Here are some questions to ponder. If you can answer yes on a given question, you will confirm a current team strength. No or not sure answers mean there is room for growth.
Think about having each person on your team answer these questions. Compare notes. The questions with no and not sure answers will suggest focus points for transforming your team.
1. Are we aware of each team member’s strengths and talents?
___yes ___no ___not sure
2. Do we respect our differences?
___yes ___no ___not sure
3. Does everyone on the team understand our team’s mission (the big picture)?
___yes ___no ___not sure
4. Do we share common values? (What are they?)
___yes ___no ___not sure
5. Do we know our individual roles within the team?
___yes ___no ___not sure
6. Do we know our individual and team levels of authority (e.g., decisions we can make, resources we can approve)?
___yes ___no ___not sure
7. Do we know which issues or tasks are our priorities?
___yes ___no ___not sure
8. Does everyone on the team contribute ideas, questions, and concerns?
___yes ___no ___not sure
9. Are we all taking responsibility for completing our assigned tasks on schedule?
___yes ___no ___not sure
10. When we meet, are we clear about what we are here to accomplish?
___yes ___no ___not sure
Of course, other questions can be added. Questions about leadership, meeting facilitation, and so on. Start with our top 10 questions.
Let me know how your team is doing! If you need help transforming your team, call me, Nan Valentine: (515) 253-0646, or send your email to: Nan@valentinecoaching.com.