In one of my early leadership roles, I encountered a team that seemed destined for success. The members were highly skilled, the project had clear goals, and the resources were plentiful. Yet, despite all the advantages, the team fell short of its objectives, and the project ultimately failed. This experience left me questioning what went wrong.
It wasn’t until years later, after facilitating a workshop, that the root causes became clear. For instance, a team I worked with faced a similar situation, but by implementing the three strategies listed below, they turned a major project around and achieved great success.
1: It’s Crucial To Have Clear Roles and Responsibilities
When team members are uncertain about what is expected, it leads to confusion, overlapping duties, and tasks falling through the cracks.
With clear roles, team members may stay within their boundaries, assuming someone else will take care of a particular task. This can create tension within the team, reduce efficiency, and prevent vital work from being neglected. Moreover, when accountability is vague, tracking progress or holding anyone responsible for setbacks is challenging.
Leaders should ensure that every team member knows their roles and responsibilities to address this issue. Regular check-ins and updates help reinforce these roles, and clear communication should be a priority to avoid misunderstandings. By establishing a well-defined structure, teams can operate more smoothly, with each member contributing effectively to the collective goals.
Book: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni delves into the common pitfalls teams face, including the lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities.
Article: “Why Teams Don’t Work” from Harvard Business Review discusses common issues in team dynamics, including role confusion.
YouTube: “How to Set Roles and Responsibilities in Your Team” by MindTools provides practical steps for defining roles within a team.
2: The Pitfalls of Poor Communication and Misalignment
Even when roles are clear, if the team lacks a unified vision or open communication channels, its efforts can be disjointed and ineffective.
Teams often need to ensure that everyone is actively on the same page. Miscommunication or a lack of communication can lead to conflicting priorities, duplicated efforts, or even neglected tasks, all hindering progress. Additionally, when the team’s goals are not aligned with the organization’s objectives, their work may lack direction and purpose, leading to frustration and disengagement.
To combat this, leaders must foster an environment where open, honest communication is encouraged, and regular alignment meetings are held to ensure everyone is working towards the same goals. Tools like project management software can help track progress and keep everyone informed. Still, nothing replaces the effectiveness of face-to-face (or virtual) discussions where team members can voice concerns and clarify doubts.
Book: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler focuses on effective communication, especially in high-stakes situations.
Article: “The Secrets of Great Teamwork” from Harvard Business Review discusses the importance of alignment and communication in successful teams.
YouTube: “Effective Communication in Teams” by The Art of Improvement explains the importance of clear communication and how to achieve it in teams.
3: The Power of Adequate Leadership and Support
Inadequate leadership—micromanaging, lack of support, or poor decision-making—can severely hinder a team’s ability to perform.
Influential leaders know when to guide when to step back, and how to empower their team members. Referencing frameworks such as situational leadership, where leaders adapt their style based on the team’s needs, can provide valuable insights into how leadership can make or break a team.
Leaders must focus on providing the necessary support without stifling the team’s autonomy. This involves offering guidance and resources and building trust within the team. Encouraging a culture of learning from failures, rather than punishing them, can also lead to a more resilient and innovative team.
Book: Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t by Simon Sinek explores the role of leadership in fostering a supportive and high-performing team environment.
Article: “What Makes a Great Leader?” by Daniel Goleman from Harvard Business Review highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership.
YouTube: “Situational Leadership Model Explained” by Practical Psychology breaks down the situational leadership model, which is crucial for understanding how to support and guide teams effectively.
Final Thoughts
Teams fail for various reasons; by addressing these issues, leaders can significantly improve their team’s chances of success. Remember, a successful team is not just about bringing together talented individuals; it’s about creating a cohesive unit where every member is empowered to contribute to their fullest potential. By implementing these strategies, you can lead your teams to avoid failure, excel, and innovate, driving your organization forward.