Team Effectiveness refers to the ability of a team to achieve its goals and objectives efficiently and cohesively. It is characterized by effective communication, collaboration, and the ability to leverage the strengths of individual team members to achieve collective success.

The evidence of team effectiveness can be observed through several indicators, including:

1. Goal Achievement: The team consistently meets or exceeds its targets and objectives.
2. High Productivity: The team members work together efficiently and effectively, accomplishing tasks in a timely manner.
3. Open Communication: There is open and transparent communication within the team, fostering trust and understanding.
4. Synergy: The team demonstrates a high level of collaboration and synergy, where the combined efforts of team members produce better results than individual contributions.
5. Adaptability: The team is able to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome challenges effectively.
6. High Morale: The team members are engaged, motivated, and satisfied with their work.
7. Positive Relationships: There is a supportive and respectful environment among team members, promoting camaraderie and trust.

Characteristics of an effective team include:

1. Clear Goals: The team has well-defined goals that are understood and shared by all members.
2. Role Clarity: Each team member understands their role and responsibilities within the team.
3. Trust and Respect: Team members trust and respect each other, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere.
4. Effective Communication: The team communicates openly, actively listens, and shares information and feedback.
5. Collaboration: Team members work together, leveraging each other’s strengths and supporting one another.
6. Decision-making: The team involves all members in the decision-making process, promoting ownership and commitment.
7. Conflict Resolution: The team addresses conflicts constructively, seeking win-win solutions.

Characteristics of an ineffective team may include:

1. Lack of Communication: Poor communication leads to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a lack of clarity.
2. Low Morale: Team members may feel demotivated, disengaged, or dissatisfied with their work.
3. Lack of Trust: Team members may not trust each other, leading to a hostile or uncooperative environment.
4. Ineffective Leadership: A leader who is unable to guide, support, or motivate the team can hinder effectiveness.
5. Poor Decision-making: Decision-making may be centralized, rushed, or based on personal biases, ignoring team input.
6. Conflict Avoidance: Conflicts are not addressed, leading to tension and unresolved issues within the team.

To build team effectiveness, each team member in a new team should:

1. Develop Relationships: Build rapport and trust with other team members through open communication and active listening.
2. Understand Roles: Clarify roles and responsibilities within the team to ensure everyone is aligned.
3. Set Clear Expectations: Discuss and establish shared goals, norms, and values to guide team interactions.
4. Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration, cooperation, and leveraging of individual strengths for collective success.
5. Communicate Effectively: Practice clear and concise communication, actively listen, and provide constructive feedback.
6. Embrace Diversity: Value and appreciate diverse perspectives and experiences within the team.
7. Supportive Environment: Create a safe and inclusive environment where team members feel comfortable expressing ideas and concerns.

When discussions break down, there is a lack of clarity in communications, or conflicts arise, the team leader should:

1. Facilitate Communication: Encourage open dialogue, active listening, and respectful communication among team members.
2. Clarify Expectations: Ensure everyone understands the purpose, goals, and expectations of the team.
3. Mediate Conflict: Address conflicts promptly, facilitate constructive discussions, and help find mutually agreeable solutions.
4. Provide Guidance: Offer guidance, support, and coaching to team members in navigating challenges and resolving conflicts.
5. Foster a Positive Environment: Promote a positive and supportive team culture that encourages collaboration and trust-building.

All team members should:

1. Practice Active Listening: Give full attention to others, seek to understand their perspectives, and ask clarifying questions.
2. Seek Clarity: Ask for clarification when instructions or information are unclear, ensuring a shared understanding.
3. Express Concerns Constructively: Share concerns or issues respectfully, focusing on finding solutions rather than blaming individuals.
4. Collaborate and Support: Offer assistance and support to fellow team members, fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
5. Embrace Diversity: Value and respect different viewpoints, acknowledging that diverse perspectives can enhance team effectiveness.

To build a highly effective team, the team as a whole should:

1. Foster Trust and Respect: Create an environment where trust and respect are paramount, enabling open and honest communication.
2. Establish Clear Goals and Roles: Clearly define goals, roles, and responsibilities to ensure alignment and shared understanding.
3. Promote Collaboration: Encourage collaboration and teamwork, valuing the collective contributions of all team members.
4. Encourage Innovation: Create a culture that encourages creativity, risk-taking, and learning from mistakes.
5. Support Professional Development: Provide opportunities for skill development and growth to enhance individual and team performance.
6. Continuously Evaluate and Improve: Regularly assess team performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance effectiveness.

The leader plays a crucial role in building a highly effective team by providing guidance, setting a positive example, facilitating communication, resolving conflicts, and fostering a supportive team culture. Each team member is responsible for actively participating, communicating effectively, respecting others, and contributing their skills and expertise to the team’s success.

Behaviors that are effective in building a strong, effective team include active listening, open communication, collaboration, trust-building, constructive feedback, and a focus on shared goals and outcomes.

Behaviors that work against building an effective team include poor communication, lack of trust, resistance to collaboration, undermining or disrespectful behavior, lack of accountability, and a focus on individual interests rather than team goals.