5 functions of an effective team

Right now, we’re investing energy into being the best teammates we can be for ourselves and for each other. In fact, we have an internal agency devoted specifically to practice coaching coming onboard right now. This has made me think a lot about what makes for an effective and adaptable team.

We’ve flipped (positively rephrased) the ‘5 dysfunctions of a team’ to use as some starting principles to kick off with:

• We have an abundance of trust. We assume good intent in others, and are willing to be vulnerable with one another.
• We seek constructive passionate debate over artificial harmony.
• We commit. No back-room chatter, false-yeses, or unnecessary delays.
• We take responsibility. We agree on high standards and call out unmet commitments from others.
• We pay attention to results. We prioritise team success over personal status and ego.

These principles could be a great starting set for any team, not just self-organising teams like ours.