• • • SETTING THE TEAM UP FOR SUCCESS • • •

An Article from the TurboTeam Development™ Series

by Cher Holton, Ph.D.

In every organization, there are cross-functional teams who enjoy a reputation for team performance that outshines other teams. These teams aren't necessarily smarter or more experienced, or even harder working than their peers. But in their day-to-day activities, they constantly demonstrate a spirit of cooperativeness and willingness which sets them apart from other teams. How can a cross-functional team enhance their effectiveness as a team?

While time is always at a premium, it is important that a team invest time up front to set themselves up for a successful experience. There are four fundamental questions that the team needs to answer before they begin working on any problems. The more experienced team members get at using these questions to jumpstart their process, the easier it becomes to move through them quickly.

FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION #1: What is our purpose?

(Why has this specific group of people come together as a team? What deliverables or outcomes will this team produce? It is important in answering this question that the team have a shared vision of their purpose, which has been articulated clearly. Never assume that any team member automatically knows the purpose for the team.)

FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION #2: How will we operate as a team?

(What are the Key Operating Behaviors for working on this team? What are acceptable and unacceptable behaviors? How will the team handle lack of participation by one or more members, disagreements, inability to reach consensus, and other interpersonal issues? How will team members be held accountable? How will leadership be managed? To whom are we responsible as a team?)

FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION #3: What are our roles and expectations?

(What skills/knowledge/information does each team member bring to this team? What is the expected commitment level? What does each person need from other team members in order to fulfill their responsibilities?)

FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION #4: What will success look like?

(How will we all know we have achieved success? What will we use to measure our outcomes? How will we celebrate? What is our timeline for success? Who outside the team is involved in critiquing our success? How can we clarify the expectations of those outside the team?)

Cher Holton, Ph.D. is an Impact Consultant of Choice, known for her unique Interactive Keynotes, Turbo-Training™ and Retreat Forward™ Team Development summits, as well as her many books, including best-selling Living at the Speed of Life and The Manager’s Short Course. She is one of less than a dozen professionals world-wide who has earned both the Certified Speaking Professional and Certified Management Consultant designations.

For information on how Cher Holton can help jumpstart your teams for success, contact:

The Holton Consulting Group, Inc. at 800.336.3940 or 919.783.7088;

email cher@holtonconsulting.com; or by fax 919.781.2218