Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
So how do you develop an effective Team Builder?
When faced with this question the response is usually directed to the qualities/values of a good team builder… or the process and competencies that are needed to produce an effective team builder. Both aspects are important, but let’s look for a moment at how to develop an Effective Team Building Workshop that concentrates on the process and competencies.
The Process of Team Building
To develop this aspect you could use something like the Team Building Skill Builder Booklet to introduce people to a framework that provides consistency for both them and those they lead. It covers areas like:
- Developing a common direction by agreeing on the team’s vision, mission and values
- Clarifying roles by understanding team members styles, preferences and capabilities
- Establishing ground rules that cover desired behaviours, responsibilities and accountabilities
- Agreeing on specific goals and key performance indicators, milestones, and how success should be celebrated
- Focusing on tangible outcomes, including what can be learned from working together and how to better connect with other teams
Team Building Competencies
Team Building is composed of a number of different competencies, or puzzle pieces. If all these pieces are not in place the effectiveness of the team builder will be limited. To develop this aspect you could use something like the Team Building Effectiveness Profileto assess the strengths and weaknesses in the following competencies:
- Vision & direction
- Value alignment
- Role clarity
- Setting ground rules
- Monitoring systems
- Continuous learning
- Boundary management
Where do you start…
Start with yourself
The greatest leadership myth is ‘I have arrived’. The landscape is always changing and leaders are always facing new problems and new possibilities, so never stop growing your skills. Why not engage a coach who will be able to guide you in developing both the process and competencies of team building. It may be the best investment you can make in yourself.
Run a workshop
The future may depend on how you develop small groups of thoughtful, committed people who want to change their world. Invest some time in your current and potential teams.
© Colin is the Director of ResourceZone International. He is a recognized authority in areas like coaching, leadership development, team building, church health and growth and multiplication movements. He can be reached at info@resourcezoneinternational.com
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