The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team

Although everything might seem fine on the surface, many teams operate in a state of artificial harmony, avoiding conflict to maintain comfort, says Theresa Cummings, MBA, CEO of Cummings Consulting Management LLC. Recently, over 40 nonprofit leaders gathered with Greater Good Greenville at a resource development workshop, generously supported by the United Way of Greenville County, to explore this issue and more.

So how can we create a successful team that embraces constructive conflict and collaborates effectively toward a shared goal? Cummings says it begins with trust. The five stages of team development then build upon each other:

1. Trust: Team members must have confidence that each other’s intentions are positive, creating an environment where there is no need for caution or defensiveness.
2. Conflict: With trust in place, team members can engage in open, constructive debate. Healthy conflict centers on ideas and concepts, aiming to find the best solution.
3. Commitment: When team members feel heard and can discuss ideas freely, they are more likely to commit to decisions. Consensus isn’t always required, but clarity and buy-in are crucial.
4. Accountability: With a clear plan in place, team members are better equipped to hold each other accountable. They must be willing to address behavior or performance that falls short of agreed-upon standards or negatively impacts the team.
5. Results: Effective teams prioritize the needs of the group over individual interests. They focus on collective outcomes and define success as a team effort.

Cummings emphasized that leaders must offer vulnerability, be aware of their own leadership styles (the DISC assessment is suggested), and be willing to hold others accountable with constructive feedback.

Looking to deepen your understanding and enhance your team leadership skills? Cummings Consulting & Management, LLC provides training and development services to various companies and individuals who desire to expand their potential to greater levels.