The attached article from USA Today discusses teams noting that while 95% of people say teams play an important purpose for organizations, less than 25% of workers like to serve on teams.  So, what does that tell us as managers?

First, we should recognize the value that teams and the different perspectives their members bring are critically important for an organization.  We should also recognize that, regardless of position, all of our employees can contribute to the enhancement of our products and services as well as improving the culture and overall performance of our organizations.

Secondly, teams don't become effective magically.   It takes work and preparation for teams to be effective contributors to the organization and to be a more pleasant experience for employees.  So, there are some steps we as managers need to take to help teams along:

1.  Give team members the skills and training necessary to function in a team.  Not everyone knows how to facilitate , brainstorm or idea chart ideas.  Additional skills in conflict resolution and effective communication are also helpful.  Don't take for granted that everyone knows how to do this. 

2.  Provide a clear purpose and mission for the team. 

3.  Articulate the expectations of team members.  From active participation during meetings, to expected attendance, to research requirements, everyone should understand what they are expected to do as a team member.

4.  Ensure understanding of purpose, mission and expectations through the use of  team charters.  A charter can be the "constitution" for a team, setting forth its purpose, expectations of members, desired outcomes, timeframes for meetings, etc.  This charter gives team members the "authority" they need to  hold one another accountable and the stated objectives for which they are meeting. 

5.  Clearly articulate how final decisions are to be made.  Sometimes, teams are the final decision makers on how or if something is to be accomplished.  Most times, they are utilized to develop recommendations and ideas and then submit those concepts to someone else to make the final decision.  Make sure that team members know their roles as well as ultimately how their work will be implemented, modified or otherwise utilized in  the organization.

One of the key principles of High Performance Organization Strategies is the use of teams to enhance performance in organizations.  To learn more visit http://icma.org/en/results/management_strategies/leading_practices/hpo/our_work

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/bruzzese/2013/01/27/on-the-job-teamwork/1860973/