What makes a Great Team?

Gallup have studied thousands of teams over several decades. They have observed the challenges and issues teams face and the successful techniques used by managers and organisations who have created highly engaged teams.

Successful teams know that to get the most out of each team member, they need to understand their individual talents and how to apply them productively to achieve a common goal.

 Three key discoveries Gallup have made about the most productive and engaged teams are:

•  They share a mission and purpose. 
  Team success ultimately depends on the team's ability to identify and focus on a clear and compelling performance challenge or common purpose. It can be a problem in need of a solution. It can be an organisational goal. It can take many forms, but it is something that is clear and compelling to all team members. 
•   Everyone on the team understands and appreciates that he or she is great at some things and not very good at others.
  Team members are aware of their unique talents and how they can help the team respond to or achieve the performance challenge or goal. They also know how the others on the team can best contribute. As such, they act interdependently. 
• Team members are aware of each other's talent filters.
  They have an understanding of how each person is inclined to think, act and feel. This awareness helps the team navigate the issues all teams encounter. Certain talents make team members adept at conflict management, documenting the team's work, setting direction, influencing others, etc. In short, they understand how the team can work best together.

The StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment tool from Gallup Inc has been used by 14 million people worldwide to help individuals and teams uncover their natural talents. For more information on how to use StrengthsFinder to support your teams, visit www.teamdiagnostics.com.au

 Source: Introduction to coaching strengths with managers and teams. Gallup Inc. Used with the Permission of Gallup, Inc.