Effective teamwork is the cornerstone of success in any organization. When individuals work together cohesively, they can achieve remarkable results. However, building a high-performing team requires understanding the dynamics of teamwork, assessing trust levels, and identifying how to best leverage emotional intelligence using high empathy. 

There are three foundational tools that leaders can use to strive towards healthy team functioning and continuous improvement in your team’s interpersonal relationships.  

First: Identify/Assess Team Stage (Understanding Team Dynamics: Tuckman’s Stages of Team Development)

In the 1960’s Bruce Tuckman proposed a model that is still relevant today for understanding the stages of team development: 

  • Forming: Team members initially meet and establish ground rules. 
  • Storming: Conflicts and disagreements may arise as team members assert their individuality and roles. 
  • Norming: Team members begin to collaborate, establish norms, and build trust. 
  • Performing: The team functions effectively, achieving goals and maximizing productivity. 
  • Adjourning: In some cases, the team may disband after completing its task. 

Second: Assess Trust Levels – The Foundation of Successful Teams

Trust is essential for effective teamwork and interpersonal relationships. Patrick Lencioni, author of “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,” emphasizes the importance of trust as the foundation for collaboration and success.  Building trust takes time, and you have to know where you are starting from with individual and team trust levels.  This often is most effectively done by having candid conversations, raising the question in meetings like, “What are your team members doing that builds trust with you?” or “What would help us increase our trust levels as a group?”.  

To build trust within your team: 

  • Encourage open communication: Create a safe space for team members to share their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment. 
  • Demonstrate vulnerability: Show that you are willing to be open and honest with your team. 
  • Keep your promises: Follow through on your commitments to build credibility and trust. 
  • Celebrate successes and learn from failures: Acknowledge achievements and use setbacks as opportunities for growth. 

Finally, Amplify The Power of Emotional Intelligence (EI)

Emotional intelligence, as defined by Daniel Goleman, plays a crucial role in effective teamwork. It involves understanding and managing your own emotions, as well as recognizing and responding to the emotions of others. EI, when consistently and mindfully used in communication and interactions, helps team members:    

  • Share information and collaborate more effectively: Express their thoughts and feelings clearly and empathetically. 
  • Manage conflict constructively: Be open to new perspectives, resolve disagreements and maintain positive relationships. 
  • Build stronger relationships: Foster trust, cooperation, and respect. 
  • Adapt to change: Embrace new challenges and overcome obstacles.

Leaders should start with self-awareness and self-management to ensure that they are showing up in a manner that consistently facilitates healthy teamwork.  Additionally, spending some extra time in “recon” mode to watch the team as you assess (using social awareness) the needs, motivations, relationships, politics, and other behaviors of the team members will help you understand how to move the team forward. 

Dame Leadership Academy: Your Partner in Building Effective Teams 

Each of the three areas above can be part of the planning process for building your team health.  Teamwork and high-value team interactions don’t happen organically and we’re here to help you on this journey.  The Dame Leadership Academy is a comprehensive program focused on equipping leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to build high-performing teams.  We’re regularly working with real teams like yours to assess, plan and improve your ability to accomplish your team goals.   

Ready to invest in your leadership development? Contact us today to learn more about the Dame Leadership Academy and how our programs can help you achieve your career goals.