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Writer's pictureArnold Shkaidy: BA, BEd(Psych), MEd(Psych)Cum Laude, MBA.

"What Makes Teams Thrive? Exploring the Key Characteristics"

Part Two


1.Empathetic Understanding


When team members show empathetic understanding, they can build trust, respect and psychological safety within the group. This leads to better communication and more effective problem-solving. Empathetic understanding means taking the time to listen to others and trying to understand their perspectives and feelings.


Empathetic Leadership

This helps team members build stronger relationships and work more collaboratively towards their shared goal. When team members feel valued and understood, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated, leading to increased productivity and better outcomes. Empathetic understanding can also help reduce conflict and improve decision-making, as team members can see things from multiple perspectives.

 

2. Proactive Problem-Solving:

Proactive Leadership Problem Solcing

A thriving team is proactive in problem-solving. Such a team is always on the lookout for potential challenges and addresses them before they escalate. They don't wait until problems become too big to handle before working on a solution. Instead, they take a proactive approach to problem-solving by identifying potential challenges and finding creative and practical solutions.


Proactive problem-solving requires a solutions-oriented mindset. Team members focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. They collaborate to find the best possible approach to addressing challenges and are not afraid to try novel approaches. This mindset fosters creativity and encourages team members to be innovative.

 

3. Continuous Learning:


Leadership Learns Continuously

Continuous learning is a critical characteristic of excellent teams. Teams that engage in continuous learning actively seek feedback, reflect on their experiences and embrace opportunities for improvement and skill enhancement.


They understand that learning is a never-ending process and are not afraid to take risks and try new things. Teams that prioritise continuous learning tend to be more innovative and creative. They recognise that the world is constantly changing, and they need to adapt to stay ahead of the curve.

 

4. Proactive Initiative:

Leadership Takes Iniative

Proactive initiative is a key hallmark of a thriving team. This means that team members take the initiative to identify areas for improvement and proactively work to make positive changes. By being proactive, team members can stay ahead of potential problems and identify solutions before they become serious issues.


This not only improves the overall quality of work but also builds trust and confidence among team members. To be proactive, team members must be willing to take risks and explore innovative ideas. It requires persuasive communication skills, as team members must effectively communicate their ideas and work collaboratively to achieve goals.

 

5. Shared Vision:


A thriving team is one that can work together cohesively towards a common goal. Shared understanding ensures that everyone is working towards the same objective. The path towards achieving the goal also becomes clearer. Regular communication and feedback can help ensure that everyone is on the same page. I know what we need to do, I know what I have to do and I know what you have to do for goal achievement.


A sense of unity is vital to the success of a team, as it encourages open communication, trust  and collaboration. Working towards the same goal, helps to create a sense of purpose and direction, which can be incredibly motivating.

 

6. Clear Roles and Responsibilities:


When each team member knows their specific role and tasks that fall under their responsibility, it promotes accountability and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goal. When everyone knows what they are responsible for, it's easier to avoid stepping on each other's toes or working at cross-purposes.


A lack of clarity regarding roles and responsibilities can lead to misunderstandings, frustrations, and conflict. This is detrimental for team cohesion and productivity.

.When people feel like they have a specific role to play and can see how their contributions fit into the bigger picture, they are more likely to feel engaged and motivated. This, in turn, can lead to a stronger sense of teamwork.

 

7. Constructive Feedback


In a conducive team environment feedback is given and received. Team members provide feedback with empathy and respect, focusing on improvement rather than criticism. They understand that feedback is an opportunity to improve and grow, not a personal attack on their abilities.

In a safe environment team members are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas freely. All team members feel safe to express their opinions, and welcome opportunities for growth and development.



To be truly effective in a team, feedback should be specific, actionable, and delivered in a manner that is empathetic and respectful. One way to ensure that feedback is constructive is to focus on the behaviour or outcomes that need improvement, rather than the individual personality. By separating the behaviour from the person, team members can provide feedback without making the recipient feel defensive or attacked. Additionally, providing specific examples and offering suggestions for improvement can help make feedback more actionable and useful.

 

8. Celebration of Success

Celebrating success is a crucial aspect of a high-performing team. It reinforces the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie among team members. It's essential to recognise and appreciate each team member's contribution, regardless of its size, towards the team's success. Celebrating success creates a positive and motivating environment that encourages team members to aim for excellence.


Celebration of success can take many forms, such as team lunches, acknowledging team members' contributions at team meetings or simply recognising their efforts in a public forum. By celebrating successes, team members can reflect on what they did well and on what they can improve. This  is a crucial aspect of any successful team.




 



 

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