Three Most Important Elements for Effective Teamwork
Three Most Important Elements for Effective Teamwork
Effective teams are comprised of people with differing opinions and personalities, but who share a common purpose and who identify with the same set of values.
A team is only effective if its members share a common purpose, identity and values, which together act as "the glue that binds the team together".
When teams have a shared purpose, identity and values, then every other team function is positively affected.
- Goal setting becomes easier because all subset goals are an expression of the "major purpose" and "identity".
- Communication is coherent because everything we say and write should be an expression of our purpose, identity and values.
- Decision-making is easier because we don't have so many internal cultural conflicts.
- Action is faster because everything we do is guided by our shared identity, purpose, values, goals, and decisions.
- Confidence is increased, because we know "who we are" and "what we stand for".
- Team spirit is increased because our shared characteristics are more important to us, than our individual differences.
- Team results are improved because our actions are unified under a single set of common themes.
1. Purpose:
Clarity of purpose is the starting point of all achievement. Without clarity of purpose, there can be no effective planning, decision making, prioritisation or coordinated action, since these factors presuppose a definite purpose at which to aim.
In order to create a context in which these team functions can flourish, we must first decide our organisations definite purpose.
In a general way, all organisations have the same purpose, which is "to add value to the marketplace". But each organisation does that in a different way, so we need to clearly define "How do we intend to add value to the marketplace?"
2. Values:
There is an ethical dimension to human life, including professional life.
Immoral and unethical methods are wrong in theory and in practice. They are based upon falsehoods, so have no substantial reality and therefore, cannot endure.
Only if we subscribe to correct ethical values can we live successfully and generate enduring prosperity, by adding value to ourselves and others.
Successful teams need Ethical Values.
Enduring success requires ethical principles of honesty, trust, industriousness and the development of a cooperative spirit. Without these values, and others like them, then reputations suffer, and the organisation fails.
Ethical values are the solid rock upon which to build your business, so it is important to name your values, define them and live by them.
3. Identity:
The first law of logic is called "The Law of Identity", which means, "Something acts in accordance with its nature".
- Singers sing.
- Painters paint.
- Runners run.
- Leaders lead.
Aristotle wrote: "We are what we habitually do".
Identity is behaviour:
"Who we are" defines "what we do".
Build Winning Teams
In order to create a winning team culture, then define your purpose, values and identity.
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Definition: Shared Team Purpose
A shared team purpose is a clear, agreed reason for the team to exist and add value. Every member understands it, repeats it in plain words, and lets it guide goals, choices and actions. Because it is stable and easy to recall, it keeps the whole group moving in the same direction and speeds success.
Show CG4D Definition
- States the value the team aims to create
- Accepted and understood by every team member
- Guides planning, decisions and daily actions
- Remains stable yet easy to express in simple words
Article Summary
Teams work best when every member agrees why the group exists, lives the same values and sees their shared identity as the guide for daily action; align these three and goals, choices and results all fall into place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
Why are purpose, values and identity vital for effective teamwork?
How does a clear team purpose make goal setting easier?
Which ethical values help build a strong team culture?
What simple steps define a team's core values?
How does team identity guide daily behaviour?
In what way do shared values speed up decision making?
Can aligning purpose, values and identity improve results?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
Gallup State of the Global Workplace 2024 reports that teams who share a clear purpose see 21% higher profit than teams who do not. PwC Global Culture Survey 2024 finds 72% of UK workers say clear values help them work better as a team.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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