How can you increase your team’s productivity?

Raise your hand if you think you’re an effective team member.

I can visualize nearly every hand in the air. That’s because research recently conducted by Wiley Consumer Insights found that 99% of respondents claim they are effective on a team. But if that’s the case, why don’t we often encounter a highly productive team? Why do we instead hear so much grumbling in organizations about the lack of trust, the avoidance of conflict, or the absence of accountability?

When listening to common complaints from teams that are struggling, it’s clear that the important behaviors that define high functioning teams are lacking. Not just now and then. Often. These issues are prevalent and usually dismissed, but that is a big mistake, given that today’s work environment is highly dependent on teams working well together.

Sweeping dysfunction

Why the sweeping dysfunction? Sometimes the team (and of course the individuals who make up the team) are simply not aware. They think they are trusted or that there is no conflict, but that’s not the case at all. In other situations, team members are aware but don’t have the knowledge, skills, or authority to make changes.

Creating a productive team is within your control

My suggestion for increasing your team’s productivity? Start with yourself!

It is way too easy (and typical) to put the responsibility on other team members. I bet you’ve heard a refrain similar to this many times: “If only ‘Jane’ would see what she’s doing to this team!” But the reality is, if “Jane” is causing problems or unproductive conflict, that means someone (or many people) on the team are not holding her accountable to a better standard.

That’s why it’s so important for EVERY team member — and that means YOU — to understand and deliver on the behaviors needed for top team productivity.

I hope you will join our upcoming workshop to learn about these behaviors and how your current patterns measure up. Act now (by August 18, 2020), and you can attend a bonus session with Patrick Lencioni himself, the best-selling author of “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.” You’ll also benefit from a personalized profile that offers you insight into your own strengths as a team player, as well as which area are challenging and how to address those.

Don’t wait for the other person to improve your team. Your team depends on you to do your best.