Teamwork is foundational to success. This, of course, begs the question; how can a great team be brought together, kept together, and ultimately be successful together?  A new training program offered by ACT One Learning; The Five Behaviours of a Cohesive Team brings together elements of analysis, discovery, and actionable strategies to develop groups of individuals into strong, successful teams.

Unlike other consultative programs that seek to move ahead without consideration of important situational factors, the caution is raised immediately that, as with most things in life, timing can be everything. Teams that are new, pending changes in the team, pending or recent organizational changes and/or heavy workload with short timelines are all considerations indicating the timing may not be right.

Once past the reasons NOT to implement the program, there are plenty of reasons to harness its power and potential.  The Five Behaviours of a Cohesive Team is based on five key behaviours that influence the success of teams:

  • Trust One Another
  • Engage in Healthy Conflict Around Ideas
  • Commit to Decisions
  • Hold One Another Accountable
  • Focus on Achieving Collective Results

As each of these behaviours is developed within teams, the prospect of success is positively influenced.  An initial evaluation based upon a series of questions helps the team and its individual members kick start a learning process based upon communication, dedication, and plain hard work.  Future evaluations help assess and measure progress in the development of the team concept.  Assessments can be done in intervals of anywhere from six months to twelve months apart, longer in the case of newer teams to allow for the required time to develop.

Team Development

The evolution of trust is at the very root of the development of a strong, successful team. Teams that develop into cohesive units value each of their members, accept divergent opinions embracing the expression of different opinions and points of view.  Commitment to group decisions is made easier because of the trust existing between team members and the “airing out” of concepts and ideas different among group members.  Effectively, the healthy debate and trust factors facilitate a buy-in on behalf of the team members that are more binding based upon the group dynamic and sense of belonging.  Subsequently, this provides a well-developed sense of accountability as team members seek to support not only the objectives and goals of the project but each other.  These variables support a focus on collective results. While each of the components is of genuine importance to teams and merits serious consideration, it is clear that the interdependence of the elements and their influence one over the other creates the power of this amazing program.

Effectiveness

Cohesive teams are more productive teams.  Their decision-making capabilities are stronger and better.  They make full use of talents and skills available within the team.  They value their membership embracing different ideas and using conflict to their advantage.  These are but a few of the reasons to embrace this program.

Long ago Henry Ford was quoted as saying “None of us is as smart as all of us.”  He saw the wisdom and intelligence of harnessing the power of teamwork.  Discover in The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team the principles and practices that can lead your organization to consistent and greater success.