How to Build a Truly Effective Team

Steven Smith put up a nice post today on the SOBCon site about building an effective team. I have to wonder about the timing -- whether he intended it to go live in conjunction with the inauguration, or if it was just a happy coincidence -- but it's apropos both today and any other time you're looking to surround yourself with a successful squad.

He offers four steps for assembling a robust and productive unit:

1. Define the Team: Who's on your team? What are their respective roles? Figure it out to get the ball rolling.

2. Define Team Goals and an Action Plan: Determine the primary purpose of the team and set goals for today, this week, this month, this year -- and even this decade.

3. Identify Supporting Behaviors: These are specific actions and behavioral characteristics that support team goals and a team environment. Some may include a positive attitude, persistence, commitment, and discipline. Team members with these qualities tend to be successful team players, and they also tend to have a positive effect on their compatriots.

4. Define Accountability: Outline how you and others will be held accountable. Some related actions:

• Offer positive feedback for each individual's contributions
• Provide praise either privately or publicly, depending on the situation
• Consider the consequences for team members who aren't meeting responsibilities
• Address unmet expectations early, before they can drive a wedge into working relationships and negatively impact the team