What is a team?

A team is a group of people coming together to collaborate. Volunteer and work organizations collaborate to reach a shared goal or task, and hold themselves accountable to these goals.

As leaders, we can help create a team through some common elements, which include:

1. Communication. Create an open, honest and effective exchange of information between members.
2. Trust. Be open in critiquing and trusting others.
3. A sense of belonging. Be committed to the group and all that entails.
4. Diversity. Value this an asset, a vital ingredient that provides the synergistic effect of a team.
5. Creativity and risk taking. If no one person fails, then risk taking becomes easier.
6. Evaluation. Be able to self-correct.
7. Ability to change. Be flexible and learn to assimilate change.
8. Participatory leadership. Everyone must help lead to one degree or another.

Source: Clark, D. R. (2008), Growing a Team

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