Shared Goals and Objectives
In a smoothly functioning team, everyone is clear about what the team is expected to accomplish. The goals of the team are shared and discussed by everyone. Each team member gives his or her ideas and input into how the goals and objectives can be best achieved. Each person must see and understand how their goals and objectives align with the larger organizational goals and objectives.
Shared Values and Principles
In excellent teams, there is regular discussion about the values, principles, and behaviours that guide the decisions of the team. The leader encourages values such as honesty, openness, punctuality, responsibility for completing assignments, quality work, and so on. Everyone discusses and agrees on what they are.
Shared Plans of Action
In this phase of team building, you go around the table and have each member of the team explain exactly what part of the work he or she is going to accept responsibility for accomplishing. At the end of this discussion, each member knows what every other member is going to be doing and how his or her own work aligns with the goals of the team.
Lead the Action
There must always be a clear leader in any organization. Democracy is a fine concept, but it goes only so far in business. Someone must be in command and take charge. And that someone is probably you. On a good team, everyone knows who is in charge. The leader sets an example for the others. The leader becomes the role model.
Continuous Review and Evaluation
In this final phase, the team regularly evaluates its progress from two perspectives. First, is the team getting the results that are expected by its external customers and others in the company (internal customers)? In dealing with customers, does the team set up mechanisms to continually ask customers, “how are we doing?”
Bringing the Team Together
One of the most important things you do in building a peak performance organization is to hold regular “state of the nation” meetings. Bring your people together weekly – minimum monthly, at a fixed time, to talk, discuss, catch up on progress, learn how the company is doing, and generally share ideas, opinions, and insights.
Action Exercise
Conduct a values clarification exercise with your entire team. Then mutually agree to live and work by the common values.
Excerpted from Brian Tracy’s “Goals”
If you want help elevate your business to the next level or you just want to make this Your Best Year Ever, give me a call. I am here to help!