A cohesive team is a group of individuals who work together towards a common goal, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. They share a strong commitment to each other's success and hold themselves accountable for the team's overall team performance. Let's explore the five behaviors that are essential for building a cohesive team.
To build such a productive team, five key behaviors need to be present:
- Trust
- Conflict Resolution
- Commitment
- Accountability
- Results-Orientation
Let's explore how trust, conflict, commitment, accountability, and results interweave to craft the ultimate collaborative framework, and how these principles can be actualized within teams of any size, industry, or demographic.
Trust: The Cornerstone of Cohesion
Trust is the bedrock upon which all effective teams are built. Patrick Lencioni, in his seminal work 'The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,' identified lack of trust as a primary reason teams fail. Without trust, team members are less likely to seek help, accept feedback, or take risks. How do we cultivate trust within our teams?
Trust begins with the genuine sharing of vulnerabilities. This principle encourages team members to be open about their capabilities and limitations. Engaging in exercises that promote the sharing of personal stories, encouraging people to open up about their doubts, and celebrating each other's strengths can set the trust groundwork.
Case Study: Fostering Trust in a Multinational Company
We solved a trust issue within a globally dispersed team by initiating team development and team-building activities that transcended geographical barriers. Encouraging the use of video calls, creating shared personal spaces online, and supporting team members in tasks outside their comfort zones led to a significant increase in interpersonal trust.
Read more: How To Use Behavioral Profiles
Conflict: Constructive Disagreement
Many people shy away from conflict, yet healthy debate often leads to better decisions and team coherence. The key is to steer conflicts towards ideation and discourage personal attacks. When team members can freely express their opinions and challenge one another, they are more invested in the outcomes.
Strategies for Navigating Team Conflict
Establishing ground rules for debates, such as focusing on issues and staying away from personal assaults, can channel conflicts in a positive direction. Additionally, setting clear expectations that all team members are expected to contribute to discussions can create an inclusive environment where diverse viewpoints are valued.
Learn more: What is DISC?
Commitment: Making Decisions Stick
Achieving commitment within a team involves more than just consensus; it is about ensuring every member is fully on board with the team's direction. This requires leaders to articulate the 'why' behind decisions and address lingering doubts head-on.
The Power of Clear Communication
When team leaders can clearly communicate the rationale for a decision, all team members can align their individual motivations with the collective goal. Regular check-ins to assess commitment, along with an open forum where doubts can be expressed and discussed, solidify the team's resolve to move forward together.
Relevant Articles: Using DISC For Hiring
Communication Exercises For Every DISC Personality
Accountability: The Heart of Execution
Team accountability is a culture of responsibility where each member understands their role in delivering collective goals. This includes a willingness to raise the bar for peer performance and providing constructive feedback when expectations are not met.
Implementing Accountability Structures
Assigning clear roles and responsibilities, setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals, and conducting regular progress check-ins can establish accountability within the team. Recognition of achievements and continuous calibration of goals ensure that team members stay engaged and committed to their responsibilities.
Results: Focusing on Collective Achievement
While individual accomplishments are important, high-performing teams value collective success over individual recognition. The focus on 'we' rather than 'I' fosters a sense of shared purpose and drives team members to support each other in achieving organizational objectives.
Creating a Culture of Team Wins
Establishing a culture that highlights and celebrates team achievements can be reinforced by including collective goals in performance evaluations, where individual contribution to team success is acknowledged. Regular retrospective meetings can also provide space for the team to reflect on its performance and collectively strategize for improvement.
Wrapping Up
Effective teams are built on trust, constructive conflict, commitment, accountability, and a focus on collective results. By implementing strategies to cultivate these aspects within your team's culture, you can foster a high-functioning team that achieves great things together.
So, start with sharing vulnerabilities and taking risks – the success of your team depends on it. Instead of focusing solely on individual accomplishments, prioritize the collective achievements of your team. By doing so, you can create a culture of collaboration and support that leads to better decision-making and ultimately, greater success.
Additionally, continue to build trust within your team member by encouraging open communication and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard. Remember to address conflicts constructively and establish clear expectations for accountability. With these strategies in place, you can cultivate a high-performing team that works together toward achieving common goals. So, take the first step and start building a strong foundation for your team today!