As Henry Ford once said, "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." After years of remote work and social distancing, teams are finally able to reunite and collaborate in person once again. The need for cohesive, high-performing teams has never been greater, and we have received an influx of requests for team building programs aimed at strengthening team bonds and achieving ambitious goals in 2023.
Over the years, we have identified six essential success factors for creating engaged and productive teams, known as the "6Cs," which we'll share with you.
On the task side, the 3Cs are:
• Clarity: The team has a clear and aligned vision, mission, values, goals (KPIs), and priorities. Without clarity, team members may end up pulling in different directions, leading to confusion, frustration, and a lack of progress. A clear direction enables teams to focus on the most important objectives, and work together efficiently and effectively.
• Continuous Improvement: The team strives for continuous improvement and excellence by thinking about how to better serve different stakeholders and customers. With rapid changes in technology and markets, companies must adapt quickly to stay ahead of the curve. A team that is committed to continuous improvement is better able to innovate and respond to new challenges, and is more likely to achieve long-term success.
• Capabilities: The team has the right mix of talents, knowledge, experiences, and skills to turn goals into results. Teams that lack the necessary capabilities will struggle to achieve their goals, no matter how clear their vision or how committed they are to continuous improvement. By identifying and developing key capabilities, teams can overcome obstacles and achieve their objectives.
On the people side, the 3Cs are:
· Contribution: The team is committed to contributing to their individual, team, and organizational goals. When team members feel that their contributions are valued and recognized, they are more motivated and engaged. By aligning individual and team goals with the organization's objectives, teams can achieve greater success and create a positive impact. · Communication/Collaboration: The team is willing and capable of communicating and collaborating with each other without silos. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for building trust, resolving conflicts, and creating a positive team culture. By promoting open and honest communication, and encouraging collaboration across departments and functions, teams can break down barriers and achieve greater success. · Confidence and Empowerment: The team is empowered and feels confident in making the right decisions and taking action to get things done. When team members feel empowered, they are more likely to take ownership of their work and feel confident in their ability to make a positive impact. By providing the necessary resources, support, and guidance, teams can build a culture of empowerment and achieve great things.
Over the years, we have designed team solutions that address each one of the Cs via different team interventions. We also have a team survey that can help the team assess their strengths and blind spots in each of these areas.
In conclusion, creating a high-performing and engaging team is no easy feat, but it is essential for success in today's fast-paced and competitive business environment. By focusing on the 6Cs, and developing effective team interventions and assessments, we can help teams achieve their goals and create a positive impact for themselves and their organizations.
Reference: Teamwise Model, Personnel Decisions International
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