The word „team“ is so commonly used in today’s organizations, most managers are oblivious to its true meaning. Here are three characteristics a group must have to be considered a real team, and to maximize its potential:
- A meaningful and common purpose – This is more than an outside mandate from the top of the organization. To be successful, the team must develop and own
its purpose. - Adaptable skills – Diverse capabilities are important. Effective teams rarely have all the skills they need at the outset. They develop them as they learn what their challenge requires.
- Mutual accountability. You can’t force trust and commitment. Agreeing on the team’s goals is the first moment at which team members forge their accountability to one another.
