It’s obvious that, for a team to work effectively, it needs to include all the skills required for the job in hand. What may not be so obvious, but also key to excellent performance, is that the team uses a variety of team-focused strengths. Meredith Belbin, amongst others, identified a set of team roles which are important. So here are the top ten tips for ensuring that your team functions well:
1. Be creative. The team needs to be innovative in solving problems, identifying improvements, challenging the status quo.
2. Find resources. Rarely, if ever, will the team have everything they need among themselves. They will need to look elsewhere for resources, information, support and guidance.
3. Co-ordinate. Team working requires the integration of a variety of skills, tasks and information, so decide about goals, roles and methods to use.
4. Drive for success. There will be times when the team will need to just get their heads down and push hard towards their goals.
5. Evaluate. Analyse new ideas objectively, ensuring that decisions are appropriate.
6. Tend. Team members should provide a support network for one another,...