The Formula for a Successful Team

I admit to having a personal fascination with teams. This started at the tender age of 7 as a player on the under 8s basketball team at my local school, and continues to this day in my corporate role as partner at Leaders Training Institute. Throughout the years my fascination centered on the perennial question: “What makes teams successful?”. My experience on teams, whether in sports or in the corporate world, allowed me to determine that the ingredients for success are always similar. After 30+ years of hands-on experience and intense observations I can confidently say that the formula is easy on paper yet slightly harder in implementation.

And without further due, here is the formula: Common purpose + clarity of roles+ effective leadership + solid relationships + effective communication = successful team. Now that you know the secret I wish you good luck on building a successful team.

Let us zoom in a little:

- Common purpose: A team always has a common task or purpose to accomplish. Team members are committed to exerting all required efforts for achieving a common purpose.

- Clarity of roles: Team members have clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Each team member plays to his or her strengths which complement those of the other team members thereby strengthening the overall team.

- Effective leadership: Whether assigned or self-declared leaders must possess a participative leadership style where opinions are heard and opportunities given to all.

- Solid relationships: Teams have a climate of trust which results in solid relationships. Each team member is his “brothers’ keeper”. Honesty, ethical behavior and integrity are the norm.

- Effective communication: team members stay connected through a robust communication process. Information is shared in accurate, timely and comprehensive fashion, and members use an assertive communication style when communicating with one another.

Now, with that formula in mind, I recommend you assess the teams you currently operate in. What happens after that remains entirely within your discretion!

Jimmy Haddad

Partner, Leaders Training Institute