Is teamwork good for you?

I recently read an article in Harvard Business Review about teamwork, specifically when it is good for employees and when it isn't. Reflecting on the research I started to think about common characteristics of high performing teams and how managers can work to bring those aspects together to ensure that teamwork positively impacts on all team members.

When there is a focus for the team, a clear purpose with clarity on what needs to be delivered by when and by whom, the entire team performs better. High performing teams share the responsibilities and are accountable for the outcome.

Teams that share the weight of the task tend to feel more committed to the task. This level of commitment drives a sense of pride in the teams accomplishments and builds a level of trust between team members. Trust is a core component of teamwork, doing what you say you are going to do and delivering on that is essential.

High performing teams also have a high degree of control over the work and feel capable to complete the work in a timely manner. They have the right skills and knowledge to do the job. Being aware of the each others skills, knowledge and experiences allows the right activities to be assigned to the right team members.

Importantly high performing teams care about each other and feel cared for and valued by their employer and manager. Simple things matter in teams, shared stories and experiences help tie the team together.

When all these elements are present a team will be more productive and achieve better results.

However, according to the article there is a "dark side" of teamwork. Tough or unreasonable goals or deadlines, not having the skills or right people can create higher levels of stress, anxiety, conflict and longer working hours with less productive outcomes. Observing the "dark side" of teams, managers need to think holistically to avoid the pitfalls of poor team performance.

Creating clarity for the team is essential. A shared understanding of the purpose of the team helps drive clearer goals. Spending time making sure everyone understands their contribution to the team and what they are there to do reduces the chances of confusion and conflict.

Detailing what information is needed for the team to accomplish their goals and tracking their performance is fundamental. Information is still king, quality data improves decisions and reduces errors.

Managers also need to ensure that the communication pathways are clear and defined. Everyone needs to understand the why, what, how and who. Transparency creates a greater level of trust in the team.

A prerequisite for a strong team is to ensure that they have the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out the assignment. A lack of appropriate skills or knowledge will simply set the team up for failure. Having the right people with the right capability and competency drives effectiveness and efficiency.

Thinking about how teams function and work together is critical to team productivity and well being. Working in a high performing team can be a positive character building experience. The strength of great teamwork is more important than ever.