The way team members function as a group is as important to the team’s success as the quality of what it produces. There are many factors that play a role in team success, and the following is by no means an exhaustive list. However, teams that lack trust, effective communication, common goals, defined roles and responsibility, and group cohesion will likely struggle to function well.

Trust

Teams work better when members trust one another. Trust helps people be more willing to share ideas, ask questions, seek guidance, and admit mistakes. Lack of trust can hinder effective communication and efficient work processes.

Effective Communication

Effective communication is vital to team success; it’s important for the team to communicate well among its own members, as well as outside the team with relevant parts of the organization. Communication affects nearly every aspect of teamwork—from interpersonal discussions and the exchange of ideas to communication about progress and results.

Common Goal

Having a common goal helps team members build group cohesion and understand that they are working together with a common purpose. If the goal is vague or isn’t shared by all, team members may be confused about where their efforts should be directed or reluctant to contribute at all.

Defined Team Roles and Responsibilities

When team members have well-defined roles and responsibilities, they are better able to understand what is expected, stay on track, make appropriate contributions, and avoid duplicating other team members’ efforts.

Group Cohesion

Group cohesion arises when bonds link members of a team to one another and to the team as a whole. Members of strongly cohesive teams are more inclined to participate readily and to stay with the team. Cohesion is thought to develop from a heightened sense of belonging, task commitment, interpersonal and group-level attraction, and group pride. In a highly cohesive team, the members like being in the group and find it satisfying.