Management Tip of the Day: 3 Characteristics of a Real Team

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 23, 2011 3 Characteristics of a Real Team The word "team" is so commonly used in today's organizations, most managers are oblivious to its true meaning. Here are three characteristics a group must have to be considered a real team, and to maximize its potential: A meaningful and common purpose. This is more than an outside mandate from the top of the organization. To be successful, the team must develop and own its purpose. Adaptable skills. Diverse capabilities are important. Effective teams rarely have all the skills they need at the outset. They develop them as they learn what their challenge requires. Mutual accountability. You can't force trust and commitment. Agreeing on the team's goals is the first moment at which team members forge their accountability to one another. Today's Management Tip was adapted from Harvard Business Review on Building Better Teams. Buy the book to learn more about helping your team succeed » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Performance Management Collection: Effective Techniques For Managers Looking To Get The Best From Their People Special Collections If you're an executive, manager, or team leader, one of your toughest responsibilities is managing your people's performance. How do you appraise just how well a direct report has carried out her job? What do you do if informal coaching fails to improve performance? This specially priced 3-volume collection will improve your confidence and help you get the results you want. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Tips for Surviving Work Travel Defy the "Always On" Mindset Good Enough is Better than Great IT 2 Ways to Spot Industry-Changing Trends 3 Ways the Social Sector can Innovate 3 Ways to Get the Most from Your Team 3 Tips for Making a High-Stakes Decision Take a Nap at Work Convince Others to Embrace Risk 3 Things Your Company Should Do on Twitter BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Free HBR Interactive issue Download the iPad app HBR Reads, and get your issue with audio and video interviews and multimedia slideshows. Learn more » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2011 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)