What Makes a Successful Team?

Much work has been done by researchers to identify the characteristics that distinguish high-performing, effective teams. There are eight characteristics set the successful teams apart:

A clear, elevating goal. That is, the goal is understood and seen as challenging to team members. A results-driven structure. Team members must have clear roles, effective communication processes, and an ability to use available data to evaluate progress and take corrective action when necessary. Competent members. The team must comprise members with the right technical knowledge and interpersonal skills to contribute to the team’s goal.

Unified commitment. Team members must be willing to dedicate effort and energy to the team. A collaborative climate. Team members must develop a climate of trust in one another in order to collaborate. Standards of excellence. High-performing teams have high standards for individual performance and members feel pressure to achieve. External support and recognition. Teams need external rewards but also support in the form of resources necessary for the team to accomplish its work.

Principled leadership. Leaders provide the necessary motivation and alignment to complete the team’s work. All too often, teams fail in one of these categories.