5 Essential Aspects of Productive Teams

Posted on April 3rd, 2009

By Alisa Johnson

When working with a group of people toward a long-term goal, it is important to have a system in place that ensures success, compatibility, and a positive working environment.  In order to achieve this end, it is necessary to have several different aspects of team dynamics covered from the very inception of the team itself in order to achieve optimal results.  Keep reading to learn about five essential aspects of productive teams. 

Established Roles

It is important from the outset of a project for roles with in the team to be established.  This is usually covered in the application and interview process, but should be covered with the entire team together for clarification purposes.  While you don’t want to stifle members of the team who may have great ideas, it is also important that there are not “too many cooks in the kitchen.” 

Communication

Communication should be open to all and round tables need to be held regularly to make sure that communication stays open.  Regular emails, use of a list server, or other methods should be employed to keep all pertinent information available and ready for dissemination within the team at all times.  The effectiveness of your team can be compromised without superior communication.

Accountability

Although this goes along somewhat with having established roles, a system of accountability must be in place within your team.  If a certain aspect of the project is unable to move forward, the reason needs to be recognized and rectified as soon as possible.  Accountability and transparency in all phases of the project will help ensure that you are ultimately successful.

Mutual Respect

While the roles have been defined, someone within the team may have an idea that could streamline the process, saving time, energy, and money.  In an environment of mutual respect, this can go one freely and easily.  Everyone on your team is a professional and has been selected for their ability to contribute to the overall success of the project in question.  Give them the respect they deserve and you should expect the same in return.

Checkpoints

Another very important aspect of a productive project team is having set checkpoints to make sure that things are working efficiently.  These points within the project give the team an opportunity to work out kinks and any obstacles that may undermine the end result.  Checkpoints should be spaced out far enough that they are not intrusive, but shouldn’t allow time for major mistakes to be missed.  Balancing out between the two will need to be discussed and planned out depending upon the specifics and nature of the project in question.

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