Attributes, Behaviors, and Competencies of Effective Teams

The following list is just a sample of the attributes, behaviors, and competencies of effective teams:

• Clear goals and people know what is expected of them in terms of quantity, quality, timelines and tone.
• There is an expectation of excellence based on: mutual trust, respect, effective communication and accountability.
• They deal with conflict effectively.
• They don’t allow poor behavior to continue.
• Leaders demonstrate by word and action that they respect the job and the people (teach, mentor, inspire, recognize).
• They invest in the development of the team.
• They understand that the work they do is important and they derive meaning and fulfillment from the work.
• Leaders focus more on what is right and express gratitude and appreciation regularly.
• High performing teams come from high relating people.
• Leaders model desired behavior – consistently.
• People help each other be better through support, encouragement and sharing.
• They avoid destructive behaviors such as blaming, gossip and power struggles.
• They work as a team, respectful of the experience and talent of others.
• They operate as though each job has potential to lead to great things.