What are the stages of forming and managing a successful team?

Too often, teams are formed merely by gathering some people together and then hoping that those people somehow find a way to work together. Teams are most effective when carefully designed. To design, develop and support a highly effective team, use the following guidelines:

1. Set clear goals for the results to be produced by the team.

2. Set clear objectives for measuring the ongoing effectiveness of the team.

3. Define a mechanism for clear and consistent communications among team members.

4. Define a procedure for members to make decisions and solve problems.

5. Develop staffing procedures (recruiting, training, organizing, replacing).

6. Determine the membership of the group.

7. Determine time frames for starting and terminating the team, if applicable.

8. Assign the role of leader – to ensure systems and practices are followed.

9. Assign role of communicator – communication is the life’s blood of teams!

10. Identify needs for resources (training, materials, supplies, etc.).

11. Identify the costs to provide necessary resources for the team.

12. Regularly monitor and report on status of team members toward achieving the goal.

13. Support team meetings and the members’ processes in the team.

14. Regularly celebrate team members’ accomplishments!

One of the best ways to avoid burnout is to regularly celebrate accomplishments. Otherwise, members can feel as if they are on treadmill that has no end. Keep your eye on small and recurring successes, not just the gold at the end of the rainbow.