Workplace groups are a common and necessary occurrence today in organizations. The effectiveness of these work teams can vary greatly however.  A three-year study of 60 extraordinary groups by Geoff Bellman and Kathleen Ryan identified eight performance indicators that great teams share in common.  So, what are the eight characteristics of effective teams?

In this article, I will share the first four. They are as follows:

1.  They have a compelling purpose. Teams are inspired when they have a reason to exist that is clearly articulated.  A compelling purpose serves as a guide both for keeping the team focused and for making decisions.

2. They have shared leadership.  Extraordinary teams are not built around one person.  All members share in the team’s outcome and all members contribute.  Leadership will shift among the members as the priorities for the group change.  In essence, egos are left at the door and the best person to handle a task steps up to lead it.

3. They have just enough structure! Extraordinary teams use structure to help them reach their goals–they are not imprisoned by it.  Groups that put too much emphasis on structure and roles constrain their creativity and discourage open communication among the members.  Great teams get the right balance by remaining flexible, keeping lines of communication open, and ensuring that everyone is included.

4. They have full engagement! All team members are committed to the purpose of the group and they actively participate in its activities.  These great teams accept differing opinions and healthy conflict with full engagement.

For extraordinary teamwork to exist, organizations must have effective leaders who can create an environment that fosters this effort.   Organizations must also have managers at all levels who know how to be effective leaders.

Here’s part two of the eight characteristics of effective teams.