Whether you’re forming a fully self-directed work team or leading a group that just needs to collaborate effectively, you must recruit the right people. Keep your eyes open for these abilities and traits:
- Willingness to contribute
Is the person ready to put the team’s goals first? This doesn’t mean ignoring personal needs, but it does mean that team members must put their primary energy into contributing to the team so they can share in its success.
- Acceptance of roles
People on a team have specific jobs, tasks, and roles. Although they should be willing to stretch themselves, they won’t be effective or helpful if they insist on going outside the boundaries of what the team needs from them.
- Eagerness to assist
On a team, no one can back off and say, “That’s not my job.” Look for people with a track record of pitching in to help wherever they’re needed as situations call for it.
- Identification with the group
Effective team members take pride from their association with the group. Find out what other teams, task forces, and committees a potential team member has worked on. How does he or she describe the experience?
- Responsible attitude
Everyone’s eager to share credit. Is your team made up of people willing to accept responsibility for failure? Look for people who can be honest about their mistakes and willing to learn from experience.
