Creating Engaged and Effective Teams

Team engagement is a common rallying cry in leadership and organizational development circles. But there is often disagreement regarding the precise team engagement formula. This is because, in my experience, there is not any one team engagement formula but rather a number of critical variables.

In Teamwork, Larson’s and LaFasto’s book about the critical elements of effectively functioning teams, they identify the eight variables:

1.     Clear-elevated goal

2.     Results-driven structure

3.     Competent team members

4.     Unified commitment

5.     Collaborative climate

6.     Standards of excellence

7.     External support and recognition

8.     Principled leadership

These elements are the what of engaged and effective teams. But the how is a little more nuanced. There is no one size fits all method or practice to create or enhance these eight elements in your team. But through inquiry, evaluation and focused attention, it is possible to improve any or all of them.

If you are interested in improving team engagement and efficacy to advance team outcomes, please contact me for an assessment and strategic game plan.