A Rich Team

During one of my recent Teambuilding Training Programs, I had the opportunity to ask the attending executives to identify the qualities of a "rich team". Of course, this question refers to the relationships and interactions of the team, not to how much money they generate. The responses I received were very enlightening. Here is what they said:

• Cooperation
• Communication
• Initiative
• Respect
• Empathy
• Flexibility
• Unique (contributing as an individual with a separate and distinct personality)
• Loyalty
• Personable
• Honesty
• Trust
• Commitment
• Responsibility

This list identifies some of the most important qualities of a team. Many of these we expect to happen without work and effort and some we take for granted. As you build your team and lead them through the good times, and the not so good times.

The question is, how do you communicate with and engage all of your employees to build these qualities? A great place to start is by including your employees in decision making where possible and appropriate. Explain situations, parameters relevant to situations and decisions (e.g. funds), and specific details so employees can present well informed ideas that have potential for use. Keeping skill sets, personalities, and talents in mind, release some or parts of the control of projects and tasks to others. Sharing responsibility allows for a sense of involvement in the process. Provide support by monitoring and encouraging. Don't forget to be continually connecting employees to the business plan, the company mission and values. The key is to delegate not micromanage. This will extend trust and faith in employees while providing an alternative focus from challenges in the workplace for employees.

seek opportunities to build these qualities. Your efforts will pay off!