3 Signs of a Great Team

As an entrepreneur, it is hard to succeed without having a great team.  Depending on your business, your team may be large or small or even outsourced, but it is still a team nonetheless.  And ensuring that your team is working in the best way possible is critical.

But, how do you know that your team is functioning at maximum effectiveness?  Over the years, I've found that there are 3 signs of a great team.  

1.)  They are respectfully, brutally honest.  

Great teams are respectful of each other, but are not afraid to hold each other accountable and be brutally honest with each other.  They do this because they care and genuinely want to see everyone on the team and the business succeed.  

2.)  They are on the same page marching in the same direction.

Great teams operate in lock step, not in silos.  They all believe in the mission and vision.  They are all in on the goals for the company and are clear on their role in helping to reach them.  The work as a unit and ensure that they are meeting and exceeding their responsibilities.  They are driven and focused.

3.)  They understand the bigger picture.

Great teams not only understand each person's role, but they understand how it fits into the bigger picture.  Thus they are hungry to ensure that they do their best as an individual or leader, but also do everything possible to help those around them be their best.  The know they are part of creating something great and are dedicated to making it a reality.

When you build a team, whether with employees, partners, or outsourcing, you should do your best to apply these principles and foster them.  Let people know you respect them and want their honest feedback.  Make sure everyone is on the same page for the mission, vision and goals.  Show them the bigger picture and how what they do has a big impact on reaching it.  Communicate these things consistently over time and you will build a great team.