Every organization needs teams. Yet we all know teams that spend time arguing and discussing, but reach no decisions. Teams where no one knows what they’re doing, that exist for years without achieving what they were set up for. Teams that seem fine until the leader leaves or retires, or new members arrive, and then it’s up for grabs.

How can this be fixed? How do you make teams more productive, creative and efficient? Keep existing teams energized? Get new ones off on the right foot?

Successful organizations are run by efficient teams. They know what they need to do, hold short, productive meetings and complete objectives on time. They may disagree, but conflict is based on ideas, not emotions. Successful teams trust each other, commit to decisions & action plans, hold each other accountable, focus on collective team results, and understand how their team contributes to the success of the organization. (And they have fun in the process.)

How does Team Coaching work?

ESC Team Coaches work with management to help teams work more productively, applying coaching skills to the team and its members, and developing this “Team Charter”:

• Team mission, vision and values – how do these align with those of the organization’s?

• Goals and deliverables – what is the end product and to whom do they deliver it?

• Value proposition – what do they add to the organization by their activities?

• Leadership and decision making – how do they make them? Who fills what roles?

• Ground rules and logistics – how often do they meet? Where? What are the rules for running meetings? How do they deal with conflict? Or if they can’t agree?

• Process review – how do they assess their own performance?

Team Coaches carry out the following steps, as appropriate:

• Meet with Team Leader and all members to assess understanding of goals, operations and perceived problems

• Have all team members complete a written team performance assessment

• Meet with the entire team to review assessment results. Identify key team practices to focus on and reach agreement on specific objectives and tactics

• Conduct an offsite session to facilitate a team charter

• Provide ongoing team coaching for duration of contract, including periodic off-site half day meetings and attendance at two consecutive team meetings.

Team Coaching. Another way nonprofits can profit from our experience. Contact us.