Green flags in teams
Signs your team is getting the art of ‘teaming’ right
Let’s talk about green flags in a team. I don’t think I’ve ever had so many DMs in response to a post as the previous one about pink flags within a team. Those niggles and watch-outs that may suggest even in the jolliest of teams, that they are not quite the sum of their parts.
I totally get that most people wouldn’t be comfortable commenting ‘oh yeah, my team is like that!’ on LI. But privately, via DM, that’s a different story. I’ve heard some woeful tales.
So this post is the counter point to the last one. Things to look out for that suggest your team is delivering real value to all its stakeholders. Things that tell you you’re on the right track. Or maybe a list of things you’d like to work towards within your team or a team that you are responsible for developing
What does a great team really look like? Here are some green flags, waving in the wintery sunshine…
All members are clear on what the team is set up to do, the reason why the team exists. They can articulate this easily if asked.
This purpose matches what the organization needs from them
Members of the team proudly identify as such. It’s part of who they are
Team members are recognisable as such. Others admire the team and want to be part of it
The team has clear goals and objectives, consisting of things that can only be achieved together
They have agreed clear and compelling values and behaviours, so they know what is acceptable, and what to do if these are compromised
They are clear on their stakeholder groups, and what these groups need from them
They have defined ways of working, including keeping track on delivery and holding each other accountable. They balance creating value now with creating value in the future
They have a sense of the strengths and preferences of every individual member, and accommodate these differences. Everyone’s contribution is valued equally
They trust each other, and don’t want to let each other down.
They continue to work as a team even when they’re not together, carrying the agenda of the team wherever they go
They support each other to continually grow, learn and develop. The team is a rich environment for feedback, reflection, observation and experimentation.
I’d love to hear your examples of green flags in teams you’re in, or teams you’ve been a part of so we can lengthen this list. It’s also worth remembering that we’re all part of teams beyond work. Sports, music, community groups, even family units can be teams and display many of these characteristics. Remind me to write about the team that has always, and continues to be, my high value-creating team. (hint: it involves a banjo and cowboy boots…)
If you’re reading this and thinking ‘Shit, that’s not us at all’, don’t panic, there is a fix. Let’s talk.