03
Jun
What are the Characteristics of an Elite Team?
Most work teams perform at a mediocre level. In fact, multiple studies have shown that only about 10% of teams are high functioning and performing at a truly “elite” level. So what’s the difference between a solid performing work team and one that is truly exceptional? The Gallup Organization has been studying high performing work teams for decades and they have identified six characteristics common in elite teams.
- Engage in healthy debate: Members of elite teams disagree, often passionately. Team members feel safe expressing alternative opinions.
- Keep the larger goal in mind: Team members are able to put their personal agendas aside and focus on what’s in the best interest of the team.
- Offer development opportunities: Talented team members want to keep learning and growing. When exceptional people aren’t being developed, they’re in danger of leaving the team.
- Have lives outside of work: Believe it or not, the highest performing teams have members with balanced lives.
- Embrace diversity: The most successful teams are diverse when it comes to age, gender and race, but also leadership, communication and personality style.
- Attract more talent: Elite teams have high energy, positive cultures which tends to be for other talented employees who want to be part of something exceptional.
The above content is from Grant’s new book, Diagnosing Your Team: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Transforming Teams. Order now.
By: Grant Thompson
Grant Thompson has been providing consulting services to clients throughout the United States for more than 25 years. Grant specializes in leadership development and has assessed, coached and trained hundreds of leaders in dozens of different industries. In addition, he consults extensively with organizations on morale issues, teamwork and business strategy.