The Huffington Post recently highlighted the necessity of team cohesiveness, which dovetails with the EDSI 5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, a new watershed program based on the work of New York Times best selling author, Patrick Lencioni. EDSI believes so strongly in the power of a cohesive team that we are traveling to over 11 cities this summer, providing a 1/2 day COMPLIMENTARY program (with free continental breakfast and lunch, too!), and we invite our clients and colleagues to reserve their spot now before they’re all taken.

Creating an impactful team is a function of personal effectiveness, professional presence, and other skills.

As a matter of fact, we are coming to 11 cities this summer to provide a 1/2 day COMPLIMENTARY program for our colleagues and clients. It includes complimentary continental breakfast and lunch, and we are looking forward to sharing Patrick Lencioni’s 5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, the latest workplace data, and a 1/2 day of personal development for you! 

Be Missi0n-Driven. At Employee Development Systems, Inc., we are solidly mission-driven, and credit the strong connection we have to our mission as the key component in our success. What is your mission? How about your organization’s mission? Are they aligned?

Diversify experience set and behavioral style. You may think that gathering a group of all like-minded people will make the best team, but you will find that a diverse group (both in skills and work styles) will render the newest, most ambitious results. It helps people to get out of their typical styles and away from the people they are most used to working with.

Identify natural roles. Use a simple behavioral or workstyle assessment such as the DiSC or DiSC Profiles to broach the subject of work and behavioral styles, and help the team realize how important they are in this setting.

Utilize individual strengths. Determine the strengths of each team member and assign them to specific tasks based on their strengths. Delegating based on strengths is the best way for the group to accomplish its goals. Be clear about what each member is responsible for and hold them accountable.

Communicate effectively. A team cannot be cohesive if communication is ineffective. Make sure to methods of communication are consistent. Clearly explain the team’s instructions and goals. Make sure all messages are constructed for the benefit of the team.

Keep the feedback loop going. Give regular, consistent feedback, both on the good and not so good aspects of performance. This should be a combination of individual feedback and for the team as a whole. Explain what worked well, what didn’t, and the results of their project. Constructive feedback will make for a more cohesive team during the next project.

Acknowledge successes. Acknowledge and celebrate successes along the way. Leverage those high energy moments to recalibrate the team for its next challenge, so they are all ready to go on the next step or level in the grand mission.

*Source: Huffington Post

7 Traits of Effective Teams (courtesy of Troy University) 

Effective leaders ensure that:

•  Team members understand and share their leader’s vision.
•   Group members respect and ideally like one another.
•  Individuals derive satisfaction from being a member of the team.
•  Communication is open and all members are encouraged to participate in discussions and, where possible, decision making.
• The group has a sense of team pride.
•  There is little conflict on the team, and when conflict occurs, it is handled using constructive problem-solving techniques.
• Group members are encouraged to cooperate with each other.
• Group decision-making and problem-solving is commonly practiced.
• The group learns to work together in a relaxed fashion.
• Team recognition and credit for a good job is freely given.
• Team members understand and share goals, objectives and mission.

Thank you to Troy University for their team leadership tips.