What comes to your mind when you think about an effective team?

You might picture a team that works seamlessly as a whole.

Everyone brings unique talents and strengths to the table, no-one is playing politics or bickering, and there's just enough competitive spirit to bring out the best in everyone. Work gets done effectively, and everyone contributes to the team's goals.

It can be a challenge to reach this level of effectiveness if you're putting together a new team, or if you're developing an existing one.However, it's much easier if you have a plan in place.

This article highlights a common-sense, step-by-step process for building and maintaining an effective team.

'll also be able to spot problem areas, and this will help you think about how you'll improve your team's overall effectiveness.

The building blocks of an effective team.

An effective team has a number of ‘building blocks’ in place.

Clear objectives

There are mutually-agreed aims and objectives, and everyone has a clear understanding of these.

Balanced roles

There is a good balance of skills, abilities and aspirations. Team members have a clear understanding of each individual’s role in achieving overall team objectives.

Effective processes

There are good processes for making, communicating, implementing and reviewing decisions. There are effective information systems and co-ordination of resources.

Good communication

Meetings are productive and there is effective communication up, down and across the organisation.

Appropriate leadership

The team trusts the team leader and feels that it is led in an appropriate way.

Support and trust

People help each other by listening, evaluating, offering ideas, encouraging experimentation and giving support.

Openness and conflict

People express themselves openly and honestly. There is a willingness to work through difficult situations or conflict constructively.

Mutual co-operation

There is a readiness to be involved and committed. Individuals’ abilities, knowledge and experience are pooled and used by the team. There is acceptance of each others’ strengths and weaknesses.

Individual development

‘Mistakes’ are faced openly and used as a vehicle for learning. Individuals are given opportunities to develop new skills and experience.

Sound inter-group relations

The team enjoys good relations with other teams, departments and agencies, each valuing and respecting the other.