Teams outperform individuals acting alone or in larger organizational groupings, especially when performance requires multiple skills, judgments and experiences.
Today we are living in a challenging time. Survival just became more challenging in the past 12 months. Whatever got you to where you are now may not be sufficient to keep you there. Whatever your strategy had been coming into 2009, it is time to reevaluate.
It is my observation in the last three decades; significant performance challenges energize teams regardless of where they are in an organization. Clarity of purpose and goals has tremendous power in our ever more change driven world.
In 1993, Jon Katzenbach and Douglas Smith of McKinsey & Company, penned, “The Wisdom of Teams” This book forms the basis for the team building process that I conduct with companies and organizations. In working with the team structure I have consistently observed teams out perform individuals about 90% of the time.
If you want a high performance organization you must leverage the power of teams. What can Team Leaders do to create successful teams? According to Jon Katzenbach:
1. Keep the purpose, goals and approach relevant and meaningful.
2. Build commitment and confidence.
3. Strengthen the mix and level of skills.
4. Manage relationships with outsiders, including removing obstacles.
5. Create opportunities for others.
6. Do real work.
The next 12 months are going to be challenging to you, your company or organization and to our country. In order to create the growth and success we want now is the time to leverage the power of high-performance teams.
As we compete in the 21st Century, no serious business leader, consultant or scholar disputes the vital characteristics necessary for high performance: visionary leadership, empowered work forces, dedication to customers, total quality, continuous improvement and innovation. Each of these considered critical. When working with my clients I see first hand the impact of high performance teams on productivity, these skills are essential to your success.
CoachAnovick.com
Developing Potential, Producing Results
Paul Anovick
201-445-2822