Teams drive business forward – how do you get them to work!

We all remember the dreaded group project in school.  There was always the one person that didn’t show up, and another that wanted to argue about everything.  But maybe there is really a purpose to having those experiences early in life.  The importance of participating in and running great teams is not a secret to HR or leadership.  The question continually plaguing business is why do teams fail so often?

The initial phase of groups is the kickoff meeting – if it occurs at all!  A new group has to be allowed to grow and bond to be able to tackle projects.  Often the leader sends an email, announces the new project or group and expects everyone to just get to work.  There has to be intention and planning for groups to work.   A format that will prove successful and ensure our project is completed on time and under budget.  According to research recently completed at the University of Central Florida, (http://msechottopics.msec.org/can-your-team-sail-the-7-cs/

We can think of effective teams as being those that embody these 7 C’s discussed in the article.  While these may not be surprising, it is an interesting way to communicate expectations with new groups that are forming. 

• Cooperation
• Conditions
• Coordination
• Communication
• Conflict
• Coaching
• Cognition

This list is a place where millennials shine.  They have been raised on a positive dose of collaboration and team cohesion.   As they participate in the workforce, they will have an expectation that the leaders not only participate in, but foster, healthy and productive teams. 

Organizations don’t discuss the need for employees to be good team members, and what that looks like.  In an article from the popular “Dummies” series http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/ten-qualities-of-an-effective-team-player.html, there are 10 key qualities in an effective team member.  Primarily the list focuses on being an active participant who communicates effectively.  Team members must also be committed to solve problems and flexibly work with the group dynamics.

Given the work-life balance employees require today, the smaller works spaces and allowances for telecommuting we must address the successes of collaboration head on.  Even when not working in a team, our employees must embody these characteristics in the new diverse and technologically advanced workplace we have today.  This is just another place we can turn to the Millennial generation for positive infusion on new characteristics into the workforce.  They make up 40% of the workforce today and are bringing effective skills of collaboration to many organizations.