Building a Strong Team: The Qualities to Look for When Building a Strong Team

In my previous post I talked about the importance of having a team and how a team can benefit you. Most people when they hear the word team, all their past experiences come hurtling towards them.  All those times when they had to schoolwork as a team and they ended up being the only one that did any work, the times when they had to do a work project as a team and again they had to deal with difficult co-workers or when they planned a large family event and it ended with a lot of arguing about what colour the table cloths should be! 

So let’s get past your previous experiences - teams can be a valuable asset when designed correctly. In the past you may have had to work with a team by default because you were at school or it’s your family… but what if we could create a team you actually like working with? 

Here are 5 core principles that will assist you in building an effective team:

  • 1. Communication:
    Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful team. This includes clear articulation of ideas, active listening, and adapting communication styles to different team members. When looking for someone who communicates well, listen for the following characteristics:

  • They present ideas in a logical and clear way and ask questions that are precise rather than vague requests

  • They know how to clearly define their requirements

  • They are able to say when they don’t know something, 

  • They can adjust communication to the level of the listener and have the ability to adjust other’s point of view

  • They have ability to influence others and engage people

  • They can read the room

  • They are good listeners because communication is not just about talking - it’s about listening. 

  • They can manage the experience that other people have. Influencing how people feel (a comedian is a good example of that).

2. Collaboration:
A strong team thrives on collaboration, where members work together, share ideas, and value diverse perspectives. Here are some collaborative qualities to look for when selecting a team member:

  • Good communicators

  • They have an open mind and are willing to look at other people’s perspectives

  • Empathetic

  • Team focussed - they are more about the team then about themselves

  • They are authentic in their interactions and build trust and real relationships

  • 3. Commitment:
    Look for individuals who are committed to the team's success and willing to contribute their best effort. Here are some examples of qualities/characteristics to look for:

  • Active participation

  • Authenticity

  • Reliable, responsible and accountable

  • Respectful of others

  • Understands what it means to be part of a team

  • 4. Clear Roles and Responsibilities:
    It is very important to define roles clearly to ensure everyone understands their tasks and how they contribute to the overall team goals. Teams work well when they have a clear understanding of what their contribution is to the group and that what they are doing is making a difference in furthering the team goals.

  • 5. Diversity:
    When putting together a team, seek out diversity in the following ways:

  • Work experience

  • Skill levels

  • Functional experience

  • Demographic diversity

  • Cultural diversity

  • Teams are valuable to any organization because they bring diverse point of view, skills and experiences. So make your team the best possible one! And remember to have fun doing it.

Iffy Kazim

Iffy has been a business coach and consultant since 2006. Iffy’s mission is to provide people with the best possible experience of themselves and their businesses and to have them shine at what they do. She currently resides in Toronto with her family.

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