Description:
http://youtu.be/3xuJWKrSM0o Purpose "The Why", a factor that in my experience often gets neglected or even skipped. Not knowing the exact reason why the team was created, or the purpose of the product the team is working on, leads to confusion, making it difficult for the individuals to align their needs with the needs of the team. Priorities Being clear about the purpose is essential when determining priorities. It's very important for the members to become engaged and to try to understand how their work fits in the bigger picture and how it meets the clients' needs. When this is not the case the messages from clients get distorted, the important details get left out, and the wrong problems get solved. Roles Every member should know his strengths, weaknesses, and responsibilities, as well as strengths, weaknesses and responsibilities of the other team members. Decisions I've seen cases where people feel like they never get involved in decisions, and on the other hand, I've witnessed meetings where people feel they have nothing to contribute and that the meeting is just wasting their time. It is very important that the right people get involved, and that the input of the ones who do is encouraged and valued. Conflict Constructive criticism requires trust. When team members trust each other, they tend to be more open and honest toward each other. Personal traits Sameness is not equality. Don't expect everybody to be the same. Respect and appreciate different work styles, personalities and cultures. When people feel valued and accepted, they perform better. According to the Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the need for belonging has to be fulfilled before the need for achievement. Norms The common rules, rights and expectations need to be established and agreed upon. Effectiveness For the team to be productive, it is very important that its members are open and willing to unselfishly help each other. Team meetings should be efficient, not wasting anyone's time. Remember, if 10 people attend an hour long meeting, that's 10 hours of investment (or worse 10 hour of lost productivity). Do not use a whole hour if the attendees come to an agreement in 15 minutes. Also make sure the right people are invited, and that the schedule and goals have been established and distributed before the meeting so that everyone can come prepared. Success The goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound. All team members should feel the ownership of the final product. Always celebrate successes and appreciate hard work. Training Team members should be provided with the opportunities for constant growth and personal development. Improving their skills will allow them to be more productive, and on top of that they will appreciate the fact that the team is willing to invest in them.
